WAUKEGAN (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - In a surprise move, Highland Park parade shooting suspect Robert Crimo III. will be representing himself in his murder trial next year.
Crimo's trial will begin Feb. 26, 2024.
He had to answer several questions before Judge Victoria Rossetti agreed to let him represent himself. That included if the 23-year-old had taken any law classes, ever picked a jury before and understands the possible penalties if he’s convicted of any of the 21 counts of first degree murder he faces, as well as other charges.
After warnings that self-representation won’t grant him special privileges in jail nor will the court help him, Judge Rossetti granted the request.
Crimo’s hands were shackled to his belt, and his hair was much longer since the last time we saw him.
His next hearing is slated for Jan. 10.
Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart offered the following statement after Monday's hearing:
"The prosecutors on this case have been working tirelessly since July 4, 2022, and will be ready for trial on the set date. Our victim specialists have been in constant communication with the victims and their families throughout the case and will continue to do so. Our office has no comment the defendant's legal representation."
Crimo is accused of murdering seven people and wounding 48 others at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to 117 counts of murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.
Prosecutors have shared more than 10,000 pages of evidence with the public defenders who are representing Crimo.
One person who was not in the courtroom for the hearing was Crimo’s father. Robert Crimo Jr. is serving a two-month jail sentence for reckless conduct for sponsoring his son’s FOID card application as part of a plea deal reached last month.
The attorney for Robert Crimo Jr. says the move was to ensure his son received a fair trial by preventing the public disclosure of evidence.
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