HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. – Robert Crimo III, the alleged shooter in the Highland Park parade shooting, has changed his mind about representing himself in court and is now seeking a public defender. The 23-year-old faces 21 counts of murder and nearly 100 other charges related to the 2022 shooting.
During a brief hearing, Crimo appeared in court with his long hair pulled back in a bun, wearing an orange prison uniform and under heavy guard. His father, Robert Crimo Jr., was also present in the gallery. Legal experts believe that Crimo’s decision to seek a public defender was the right move, as representing himself would have been legal suicide.
Although Crimo did not provide a reason for his change of heart, the decision could potentially impact his upcoming trial, set to begin on February 26. The prosecutor has stated that Crimo confessed to investigators, which legal experts believe will pose a significant challenge for whoever represents him in court.
Crimo’s previous request to invoke his right to a speedy trial led to the trial date being moved up from 2025. The shooting, which occurred on July 4, 2022, resulted in seven deaths and 48 injuries. Another hearing is scheduled for next week as the legal proceedings continue.
The defendant’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., who was released from jail last month after a misdemeanor conviction, did not provide any comments as he left the courthouse on the recent hearing day. Neither the state’s attorney nor the public defender’s office are issuing any comments regarding Crimo’s decision.
The prosecution has a strong case against Crimo, and his confession to investigators presents a major legal challenge for his defense. Seven people were killed and 48 others were injured in the shooting, and the trial is scheduled to begin on February 26.