Ruling Lets Highland Park Shooting Suspect’s Confession Be Used in Trial

A judge’s ruling allows statements made by Robert Crimo III to be used in the Highland Park shooting trial, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle.

At a Glance

A judge has ruled that Robert Crimo III’s statements to police are admissible in the Highland Park shooting trial.
Crimo faces 7 counts of first-degree murder for the July 4, 2022 parade shooting.
The trial is scheduled to begin in February 2025 with jury selection starting February 24.
The defense’s attempt to suppress Crimo’s videotaped confession was rejected by the judge.
A former school resource officer is allowed to testify, identifying Crimo from the video footage.

Judge’s Ruling Upholds Admissibility of Crimo’s Statements

In a significant development for the upcoming Highland Park shooting trial, a Lake County judge has ruled that statements made by Robert Crimo III to police following the July 4, 2022 mass shooting will be admissible in court. This decision came as a blow to the defense team, who had argued that Crimo’s constitutional rights were violated during the investigation.

Judge Victoria Rossetti determined that Crimo had waived his Miranda rights and did not request an attorney during police interviews, despite one being available at the station. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office welcomed the ruling, stating that all of Crimo’s constitutional rights were honored during the investigation.

Robert Crimo III is facing seven counts of first-degree murder in the 2022 mass shooting. On Wednesday, a judge ruled the usage of the suspect's videotaped confession is admissible. https://t.co/En01J8iUbu

— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) December 18, 2024

The Highland Park Tragedy and Its Aftermath

The shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade in 2022 left a community devastated, with seven lives lost and dozens more injured. Among the victims were Katherine Goldstein, Jacquelyn Sundheim, Stephen Straus, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, Eduardo Uvaldo, and married couple Kevin and Irina McCarthy. The tragedy shocked the nation and reignited debates on gun control and public safety.

“While our office will not comment on the type or amount of evidence that will be introduced at trial, we agree with the judge’s factual findings and legal ruling that police and prosecutors honored all of the defendant’s constitutional rights on July 4 and July 5, 2022. We are continuing to prepare for the previously set trial date, February 24, 2025,” the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office stated.

Crimo, now 24, faces multiple charges, including seven counts of first-degree murder. The prosecution’s case has been bolstered by the judge’s decision to allow Crimo’s videotaped confession and the testimony of a former school resource officer who identified him from video footage of the scene.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy

The defense team’s efforts to nix Crimo’s statements have been unsuccessful. They argued that Crimo’s rights were violated when he was not informed about an attorney being available at the police station. However, Judge Rossetti ruled that Crimo’s right to counsel was not denied, stating that he had declined offers to speak with an attorney during his confession.

Despite the reported confession, Crimo has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He also rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a life sentence, opting instead for a trial. The decision to allow the former school resource officer, Sgt. Brian Soldano, to testify adds another layer of complexity to the case. Soldano’s familiarity with Crimo over six years provides a unique perspective that could influence the jury.

Looking Ahead to the Trial

As the February 2025 trial date approaches, both the prosecution and defense are preparing their strategies. The admissibility of Crimo’s statements and the eyewitness testimony from Sgt. Soldano are likely to play crucial roles in the proceedings. The community of Highland Park and the families of the victims continue to seek justice and closure for the tragic events of July 4, 2022.