CHICAGO (WLS) — The man accused in the July 4th parade shooting in Highland Park has been indicted by a grand jury on 117 counts, the county state’s attorney’s office announced Wednesday from Lake (IL).
Robert Crimo III is charged with 21 counts of first-degree murder: three counts for each of the victims killed. He has also been charged with an additional 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm for each victim who was struck by a bullet, bullet fragment or shrapnel, officials said.
The man accused in the July 4th parade shooting in Highland Park has been indicted by a grand jury on 117 counts, the Lake County (IL) State’s Attorney’s Office announced.
The Independence Day horror with an assault rifle didn’t take long, but the damage was overwhelming.
Investigators have told the I-Team that Crimo fired 83 shots during the rooftop ambush, fired from an AR-style rifle that he allegedly reloaded twice with 30-round magazines.
Seven people were killed and more than 30 injured, including an 8-year-old boy who is paralyzed from the waist down.
Highland Park shooting victims remembered for their kindness, warmth
A memorial in Highland Park remembers the seven people who lost their lives during the mass shooting at the 4th of July parade.
According to the indictment, eight of the injured were juveniles/minors.
“I think it would be surprising if there was a trial in this matter, but it certainly ties any defense attorney in terms of what they can possibly argue to a jury,” former Chicago U.S. Attorney Jeff Cramer said when asked if there could be. be an agreement in this case.
Cramer said avoiding a trial would also ensure witnesses would avoid the pain of public testimony. But whether Crimo reaches a plea deal or goes to trial, a conviction will likely keep him locked up for life.
Crimo was scheduled to appear in Lake County Court on Thursday, but that hearing has now been canceled due to the superseding indictment. He is now scheduled to appear in court on the new charges on August 3 at 11am
Even with the indictment, Lake County authorities said the investigation is ongoing.
WATCH: Timeline: Highland Park shooting
“I want to thank the law enforcement and prosecutors who presented evidence to the grand jury today. Our investigation continues, and our victim specialists are working around the clock to support everyone affected by this crime that resulted in 117 felony charges being filed today,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement.
Cramer told the I-Team he suggests authorities will look closely at Crimo’s father, who sponsored him as a teenager for a state gun card, which allowed him to buy the gun used in the shooting. attack
RELATED: Father of accused parade shooter says he doesn’t regret sponsoring FOID card, says system needs overhaul
Crimo is in custody and has been since the afternoon of July 4 when he was pulled over in his car after hundreds of police officers launched a manhunt for the accused shooter.
Grand jury charges are usually straight legal, and it’s also not uncommon for someone accused of a major violent crime to face a hundred or more charges, as authorities pile on every possible charge, for each and every one. victims
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