Highland Park shooting suspect to represent himself in court
- Robert Crimo III is suspect in shooting that killed seven, wounded dozens
- His trial proceedings are set to begin in February 2024
- Crimo III faces over 100 charges including dozens for first-degree murder
FILE – Robert E. Crimo III walks into the courtroom during a hearing in Lake County court, Aug. 3, 2022, in Waukegan, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool, File)
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(NewsNation) — The trial for the man accused of the Fourth of July Parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois is set to start in February 2024.
Robert Crimo III plans to represent himself, NewsNation local affiliate WGN reports.
Crimo III faces more than 100 charges, including dozens for first-degree murder and attempted murder, WGN writes. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is being held without bond.
Seven people were killed and dozens wounded in the July 4, 2022 shooting.
The Chicago Tribune writes that Judge Victoria Rossetti explained to Crimo III the “realities” of a defendant presenting their own case at trial, and said he would not receive any preferential treatment for his decision to do so. Crimo III informed the judge he does not have a law background, the Tribune said.
Rossetti, according to the Tribune, said the trial will likely take four to six weeks and involve numerous witnesses.
Last month, Crimo III’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., accepted a plea deal with a sentence of two years probation and 60 days at Lake County Jail after pleading guilty to several counts of reckless conduct. Crimo Jr. was charged with helping his son get a gun license, even though the then 19-year-old was underage, and had made threats of violence.
This story is developing. Refresh for updates.
