Chicago, IL
Highland Park parade shooting suspect Robert Crimo III charged with 7 counts of murder
Robert Crimo III, 21, of Highwood is charged with seven counts of first diploma homicide, Lake County State’s Legal professional Eric Rinehart stated. They stated they anticipate dozens extra fees to be filed in opposition to him within the coming days.
If convicted, Crimo can be given a compulsory life sentence with out the opportunity of parole, in keeping with Rinehart.
Crimo was arrested in Lake Forest Monday evening following an hours-long manhunt.
Expenses are nonetheless pending in opposition to Crimo.
Lake County Main Crimes Activity Power spokesman Chris Covelli stated at a Tuesday morning press convention that Crimo fired greater than 70 rounds into the parade.
Authorities give replace on Highland Park taking pictures
Covelli stated Crimo deliberate the taking pictures for weeks and accessed the rooftop of a constructing utilizing a fireplace escape ladder.
“We do consider Crimo pre-planned this assault for a number of weeks. He introduced a high-powered rifle to this parade. He accessed the roof of a enterprise through a fireplace escape ladder and started opening hearth on the harmless Independence Day celebration goers,” Covelli stated.
After the taking pictures, Crimo left his rifle and climbed down to flee whereas sporting ladies’s clothes to mix in and conceal his facial tattoos, Covelli stated.
Covelli stated Crimo then went to his mom’s home and borrowed her automotive which he was driving when he was taken into custody.
The weapon was bought legally, Covelli stated. A second rifle was within the automotive, which investigators consider was additionally bought legally.
Crimo’s dad and mom launched an announcement via their legal professional Tuesday, saying: “We’re all moms and dads, sisters and brothers, and this can be a horrible tragedy for a lot of households, the victims, the paradegoers, the neighborhood, and our personal. Our hearts, ideas, and prayers exit to all people.”
“The dad and mom request that each one respect their privateness as they attempt to kind via this tragedy.”
Police stated Tuesday Crimo was concerned in two prior incidents in Highland Park, the latest in September 2019 when a member of the family referred to as police to report he had a knife assortment and “was going to kill everybody,” authorities stated. Police eliminated knives from Crimo’s possession.
Months earlier, in April 2019, somebody referred to as police one week after studying Crimo tried to kill himself, police stated. Police spoke with Crimo and his dad and mom and discovered psychological well being professionals had been dealing with the scenario.
Authorities stated the weapon used within the July 4 taking pictures was bought after these incidents.
WATCH: Individual of curiosity in parade taking pictures positioned into custody after chase
When arrested, investigators stated Crimo was in possession of a second rifle, additionally legally obtained His motivations haven’t been disclosed. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, chatting with CNN Tuesday morning, recalled assembly him as a younger boy.
“He was a Cub Scout in my Cub Scout pack. A few years in the past, he was just a bit boy, a quiet little boy that I knew,” she stated. “I see this image, and thru the tattoos I see the little boy. It is heartbreaking. I do not know what acquired him up to now, however let’s ask that query of so many individuals.”
A resident of Highwood for the final two years, Crimo lived within the again house of an uncle’s dwelling, who stated his nephew had lately misplaced his job at a neighborhood Panera. He final noticed him the day earlier than the taking pictures.
“Hello, bye. Yeah, he was superb. Every part was regular,” Paul Crimo stated. “It is exhausting. It is-I can not even consider it. And, I imply, I really feel sorry for all the opposite households that misplaced their lives. The six folks. My coronary heart goes out to them and I simply really feel very unhealthy.”
Highland Park parade taking pictures victims killed ID’d
Cellular phone video captured the sound of gunfire throughout Highland Park’s July Fourth parade. Parade-goers had been seen taking cowl anyplace they may.
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By mid-afternoon Monday, police recognized Crimo as an individual of curiosity.
A 3rd of a mile from the taking pictures scene, SWAT officers camped out at a house allegedly related to Crimo.
At about 6:30 p.m., after a resident referred to as 911, a North Chicago police officer noticed Crimo at Route 41 and Buckley Street, police stated.
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There was a short pursuit, however the car was stopped at Westleigh Street and Route 41 in Lake Forest.
Witnesses describe chaos from parade taking pictures
Crimo was taken into custody with out incident. He was then transported to the Highland Park Police Division, sources informed ABC7.
Crimo’s arrest got here greater than eight hours after the rampage. He had traveled to totally different areas, together with Wisconsin’s Madison space, earlier than he was stopped.
Bobby Crimo by no means talked about political beliefs or talked about weapons or firearms, his uncle stated. He has ties to Rockford, De Kalb and Elgin.
Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., had beforehand run for mayor of Highland Park in 2019, in keeping with three people who knew him and public information reporting from the time.
Crimo Jr. was defeated by incumbent Mayor Nancy Rotering, in keeping with ABC7 election outcomes, and solely acquired 28% of the vote.
A neighborhood enterprise proprietor in Highland Park who grew up with Crimo Jr., the daddy, informed ABC Information that he was “making an attempt his hardest to assist his neighborhood” however “most likely did not have that a lot of an opportunity.”
Residents are nonetheless in shock at the whole lot that transpired.
“Serious about seeing all of my college students on the parade, right now, and simply realizing that is one thing that they witnessed that they should course of and undergo – it is sickening,” witness Lauren Sachs stated.
ABC Information contributed to this report.
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