Jury selection began Monday for the trial of Robert Crimo III, accused of killing seven people during Highland Park’s 2022 Fourth of July parade. The July 4 shooting trial follows three years of delays linked to the defendant’s erratic behavior and legal maneuvering, with opening statements expected next week in Lake County Court.
Prosecutors allege Crimo fired 83 rounds from a rooftop into parade crowds in this affluent Chicago suburb, leaving seven dead and dozens wounded. Victims included an 8-year-old boy paralyzed by gunfire and parents of a toddler found wandering alone. “Families abandoned strollers and lawn chairs in sheer panic,” one witness recounted during earlier hearings.
“We’re most resilient when we support each other,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering, announcing the parade’s 2024 return without fireworks due to ongoing trauma.
Key case elements include:
- 10,000 pages of evidence including a police interrogation video
- Dropped aggravated battery charges ahead of jury selection
- Security footage of Crimo allegedly approaching the parade route in disguise
The defense faces hurdles from Crimo’s unpredictable courtroom behavior, including last-minute plea deal rejections and failed attempts to suppress confession videos. Legal experts like University of Illinois’ Eric Johnson warn “anything could happen” given the defendant’s history of firing attorneys and erratic conduct.
Community wounds remain fresh as survivors prepare to testify. Multiple lawsuits target both the rifle manufacturer and local authorities, with plaintiffs accusing police of ignoring 2019 warnings about Crimo’s violent threats and knife collection.
With jury selection expected to take days in this nationally watched case, attorneys must navigate potential jurors’ preexisting knowledge of the tragedy. As proceedings continue, Highland Park residents emphasize their determination to honor victims while rebuilding community unity.