An Illinois man pleaded guilty Monday to killing seven people and injuring dozens more when he opened fire on a 2022 Independence Day parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park which the Associated Press calls a stunning development moments before opening statements in his trial on charges of murder and attempted murder. Appearing in a Lake County courtroom, Robert Crimo III, 24, withdrew his not-guilty plea. Prosecutors initially charged him with 21 counts of first-degree murder — three for each person killed — as well as 48 counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors dropped 48 less serious counts of aggravated battery before jury selection last week. On Monday, Judge Victoria Rossetti read the charges to Crimo and asked questions to be sure he understood before any plea was read to the court.
His mother, Denise Pesina, had a brief outburst at the news and was called up to the judge for a warning. “We’re going to move forward,” the judge said to her. “You are not a party to this proceeding. If you would like to stay in the courtroom please have a seat and be quiet.” Prosecutors read the names of all those killed in the shooting and of those injured, with the judge stopping to ask questions to make sure Crimo understood. They went over the substantial evidence, including his prints on the gun used in the crime, and statements to police admitting to the mass shooting. Sentencing will come April 23. Crimo is certain to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Each count of first-degree murder carries a natural life prison sentence.