Highland Park, Illinois — In a courtroom decision that reverberated through the community Wednesday, Robert Crimo III declined a plea agreement that would have spared him the uncertainty of trial and incarcerated him for life without the possibility of parole for the Highland Park Fourth of July mass shooting.
Assistant State’s Attorney Ben Dillon outlined that Crimo was to plead guilty to seven counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery, which together would have sentenced him to natural life in prison plus an additional 30 years. However, in a tense courtroom moment, Crimo, appearing sullen and seated in a wheelchair, opted to reject the agreement.
During the proceedings, after a brief recess to confer with his defense team, when prompted by prosecutors to confirm his acceptance of the deal, Crimo simply responded with a curt “No.” He was then escorted out of the courtroom, leaving the trial set to proceed in February 2025.
Crimo, who was charged with 117 felony counts, is accused of a heinous attack that shook the suburban community. Prosecutors allege he strategically positioned himself atop a store roof during the city’s Independence Day parade and opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd below with a high-powered rifle.
The chaos that ensued was magnified as Crimo allegedly disguised himself in women’s clothing to blend into the fleeing crowd. He reportedly drove to Wisconsin before returning to Illinois, where he was eventually apprehended by a North Chicago police officer. Crimo has been in custody since his arrest.
The tragedy resulted in the deaths of seven individuals: Kevin and Irina McCarthy, who tragically died while shielding their 2-year-old son Aiden; Katherine Goldstein, 64; Stephen Straus, 88; Jacquelyn “Jacki” Sundheim, 63; Nicolas Toledo-Zaraga, 78; and Eduardo Uvaldo, 69. These victims represented a cross-section of the community and included residents from Highland Park and visitors from as far as Morelos, Mexico.
Additionally, among those wounded was 8-year-old Cooper Roberts, who was left paralyzed, a stark reminder of the indiscriminate violence that also injured his twin brother, Luke.
Prosecutors highlighted that part of their consultation process included extensive discussions with victims’ families, echoing State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s sentiment that his office “has been continuing to work with victims and survivors as the situation develops.”
Local authorities, aware of the emotional weight of the court proceedings, had prepared by increasing the police presence, anticipating the community’s and victims’ families’ need for security and support.
As Crimo faces a future jury trial, the community of Highland Park continues to grapple with the impacts of the shooting. The loss and ongoing recovery efforts reflect a broader challenge of addressing and ultimately curbing gun violence in American communities.