Waukegan, Illinois – Emotional testimonies emerged during the sentencing hearing for Robert “Bobby” E. Crimo III, the perpetrator of the 2022 mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade near Chicago. Despite not appearing in court, Crimo, 24, faced charges for killing seven people and injuring nearly 50 others at a parade in Highland Park. With over 10 survivors, family members of victims, and witnesses expected to share their victim impact statements, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart confirmed that Crimo chose not to attend his sentencing and remained in jail. Judge Victoria Rossetti emphasized that the defendant had been informed about the proceeding in previous court appearances, regardless of his presence.
One of the witnesses, Dana Ruder Ring, a Highland Park resident, recounted her experience helping a child to safety as Crimo opened fire from a building rooftop during the parade. Amidst the chaos, Ring encountered a woman and child covered in blood, with the woman informing her that the blood was not theirs. Ring took care of the boy, reuniting him with his family, vividly describing the traumatic scene in court.
Gerald Cameron Jr., a retired Highland Park Police Department commander, also provided a victim impact statement, detailing the panic and chaos that ensued during the shooting. Prosecutors showcased pictures and videos from that fateful day, evoking deep emotions from those present in the courtroom.
Crimo, who admitted to planning the mass shooting since 2017, expressed moments of uncertainty before carrying out the attack. Despite deliberating whether to proceed, he ultimately decided to open fire on parade attendees. Detective Brian Bodden revealed that Crimo had conducted reconnaissance at the shooting site days prior, strategically assessing police presence and positioning for his deadly mission.
Dr. Jeremy Smiley, an ER physician who attended the parade, shared the lasting impact of the shooting, notably recalling a young victim who was shot and paralyzed. As testimonies unfolded, the profound effects of Crimo’s heinous act on the victims and community became increasingly apparent, underscoring the need for justice and healing in the aftermath of such tragedy.