Crimo Pleads Guilty in Highland Park Shooting

Robert Crimo III has pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder for the July 4, 2022, Highland Park parade shooting, which resulted in seven deaths and numerous injuries. This unexpected plea came moments before his trial was set to begin, reversing his previous not-guilty plea. Prosecutors charged him with 21 counts of murder and 48 counts of attempted murder, dropping 48 counts of aggravated battery prior to the trial. Crimo, 24, fired into parade crowds from a rooftop and was later arrested after a manhunt. His plea eliminates the need for a trial, and he faces life imprisonment without parole. The plea decision follows a tumultuous pre-trial process marked by unpredictability and delays due to Crimo's behavior and initial rejection of a plea deal.