Highland Park Parade Shooter Rejects Plea Deal, Trial Set for February 2025

Robert Crimo III, accused of the 2022 Highland Park mass shooting that killed seven and wounded 48, rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced him to life in prison without parole. The plea agreement, which required Crimo to plead guilty to seven counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery, was expected to be accepted as prosecutors and victims' families looked on. During the court hearing, Crimo remained silent when asked if he agreed to the deal, leading to a recess after which he ultimately declined the agreement. This refusal means the case will proceed to trial in February 2025. Crimo's rejection of the plea deal has caused disappointment and emotional distress among survivors and victims' families, who had hoped for closure as the second anniversary of the shooting approaches.