Highland Park shooting victims can attend Crimo trial

A Lake County judge ruled that victims of the Highland Park parade shooting will be allowed to attend the trial of Robert Crimo III, who faces multiple charges including seven counts of first-degree murder. Judge Victoria Rossetti stated that the victims' testimonies would not be affected by their presence in the courtroom and emphasized that each victim could bring a support person. This decision allows the approximately 48 survivors of the July 4, 2022 attack to recount their experiences during the trial, which is set to begin with jury selection on Monday. Prosecutors plan to use surveillance footage and other evidence to identify Crimo as the shooter. The ruling comes despite the defense's request to bar victims from attending, which was denied by the judge. The trial is expected to last between four and six weeks, highlighting the ongoing impact of the tragic shooting that claimed seven lives and injured nearly 50 others.