Trial Begins for Highland Park Shooter Crimo

The trial for Robert Crimo III, accused of killing seven people and injuring dozens more during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Chicago, in 2022, has commenced with jury selection. Crimo allegedly fired from a rooftop into a crowd, causing chaos and panic, and initially evaded capture by disguising himself as a woman. Although he confessed to the shooting during a videotaped interrogation, he has pleaded not guilty to 117 criminal counts, including first-degree murder. The city of Highland Park, which canceled its parade the following year, has reinstated it with a memorial for the victims, but without fireworks due to community trauma. This case has drawn significant attention due to Crimo's erratic behavior and the extensive evidence compiled by prosecutors. The shooting has led to legislative changes in Illinois, including a ban on assault weapons.