Highland Park, Illinois – A trial date has been set for the accused shooter in the Highland Park parade attack, where seven people were killed and dozens were wounded. Robert E. Crimo III, 23, of Highwood, is facing 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder, and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. The trial is scheduled for February 24, 2025, following a brief status hearing in the Lake County Courthouse.
During the hearing, Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Ben Dillon requested the trial to begin in September or October, but the defense team from the Lake County Public Defender’s Office asked for the trial to be postponed until February 2025. This request was in line with a previously agreed scheduling conference decision. Despite Crimo briefly requesting to represent himself, the trial date remained unchanged, according to Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti.
This decision comes after Crimo had previously asked for a speedy trial, leading to the case originally being scheduled for a February 2024 trial. However, the Lake County Public Defender’s Office was reappointed to the case last month, causing a delay in the trial date. The State’s Attorney expressed readiness for trial, emphasizing the importance of securing justice for the victims, families, survivors, and the entire Lake County community.
The accused, who has been held without bond since July 6, 2022, remains in the Administrative Segregation Unit of the Lake County Jail following two separate rule violations. These violations involved verbal threats to a correctional officer and unauthorized telephone use. Additionally, it was revealed that Crimo admitted to targeting the crowd with a semi-automatic rifle, resulting in seven deaths and numerous injuries on July 4, 2022.
The case management hearing is set for April 24, as the community continues to await the trial of this tragic event that shook the Highland Park area.