Waukegan, Illinois – A man who confessed to carrying out a mass shooting at a suburban Chicago Independence Day parade was scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday. Survivors and witnesses provided emotional testimonies about the impact of the tragedy, where he killed seven people and injured dozens more.
Robert E. Crimo III, 24, altered his plea to guilty just prior to the commencement of his trial. His case has faced delays, partly due to his unpredictable behavior. Despite warnings from the judge, Crimo chose not to appear in court on Wednesday.
During the proceedings, Keely Roberts, whose 8-year-old son was paralyzed in the attack, criticized Crimo for his absence, labeling him as “cowardly.” She expressed that her grief would not be acknowledged by him.
Some survivors labeled Crimo as a “monster,” while others spoke of forgiveness. Many revealed feelings of emptiness and deep sadness since the shooting, with some deciding to avoid public gatherings altogether.
Crimo is expected to serve a life sentence in prison as he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors emphasized his own words about the attack during the sentencing hearings, sharing parts of his videotaped confession.
In the confession, Crimo nonchalantly described his actions, revealing that he had considered aborting the attack due to a weapon malfunction. However, he proceeded and carried out the shooting.
Prosecutors also recounted the events of the tragic day, showcasing videos from the parade and recounting the chaos that ensued. Witnesses shared their harrowing experiences, painting a vivid picture of the aftermath of the attack.
The victims of the shooting were remembered during the proceedings, including their names and ages. Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., also faced legal consequences for his involvement in his son’s acquisition of a gun license.
The community of Waukegan, Illinois, continues to grapple with the impact of the tragic event as they seek closure and healing.