Man Charged in Illinois Parade Mass Shooting Fails to Exclude His Statements from Trial
WAUKEGAN, Ill.—On Wednesday, a judge decided not to dismiss statements made by a man accused of murdering seven individuals at a 2022 Independence Day parade in the Chicago suburbs.
According to Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti, Robert Crimo III voluntarily gave up his right to remain silent while talking to law enforcement, confirming that there was no evidence of “coercion, deceit, or intimidation” that would have prevented him from consulting a lawyer.
Crimo’s legal team contended that a lawyer engaged by his family was present at the police station shortly after the shooting but was not permitted to meet with him, which they claimed violated his constitutional rights.
However, the judge pointed out that video footage displayed Crimo indicating that he preferred not to interrupt the police questioning to consult with a lawyer. Rossetti characterized the interaction as “conversational and non-threatening” within a casual and laid-back environment.
During the interview, Crimo remarked, “I’ve heard them a million times,” in reference to his rights.
Authorities have stated that Crimo, now 24 years old, admitted to the shooting in Highland Park. He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges, which include several counts of first-degree murder. Jury selection for his trial is slated to begin on February 24.
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In total, dozens were injured, including an 8-year-old boy who has been left partially paralyzed.
The individuals killed in the incident included Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and the married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35.
