Robert Crimo III rejected a plea deal in court on Wednesday that would circumvent a long jury trial. Initially his attorneys said he would accept the deal, but Crimo refused.
The Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooting suspect, who killed 7 and injured dozens by firing into a crowd in 2022, backed out of a plea deal that would save survivors the trauma of testifying in court. Robert Crimo III, 23, initially pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery in August 2022. Since then, he has remained incarcerated at the Lake County Jail, per online records.
Before Wednesday's hearing, Bonamarte said that the plea agreement could bring closure to his clients. 'But as you can imagine, the emotional suffering that all three of them have experienced continues to this day,' said Bonamarte. Beasley, who escaped the gunfire with her family two years ago, said before the hearing that the plea was an opportunity to 'close a door… and be able to really focus on healing.' HIGHLAND PARK MASS SHOOTING SUSPECT'S FATHER ROBERT CRIMO JR.
think knowing he is behind bars and can never harm another person is what everyone wants to see,' Beasley said. The City of Highland Park will hold a series of events that officials say will 'balance the diverse needs within the community by providing space for remembrance as well as familiar traditions.
Monu Bedi, professor at DePaul University College of Law, told WBEZ Chicago that Crimo's attorneys were likely considering a plea deal because it would be their client's only chance at eventual release if he is convicted. 'By pleading guilty instead, the defense avoids this automatic mandatory life sentence and has the opportunity to potentially present mitigating evidence, such as mental health problems, family issues, etc.
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