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The suspect, Robert Crimo, 23, had been expected to plead guilty
to seven counts of murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery
during a court hearing in Lake County, the Chicago Tribune
reported, citing the local state's attorney.
But during the hearing, Crimo did not respond when asked if he
agreed with the guilty plea. Crimo, who was in a wheelchair, was
then wheeled out of the courtroom to discuss the matter with his
attorneys. When he returned, he answered "no" to whether he
accepted the terms of the agreement, the Tribune reported.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys were not immediately available
for comment.
He was to face a sentence of life in prison without parole, plus
30 years for each count of aggravated battery, according to the
Tribune.
Crimo is accused of climbing out the roof of a building in
downtown Highland Park, a suburb 25 miles (40 km) north of
Chicago, and opening fire on spectators and participants at a
Fourth of July parade in 2022.
A synagogue teacher, a Mexican grandfather, and the parents of a
two-year-old were among the victims. Crimo confessed to the
shooting, according to prosecutors.
A trial is set for February 2025.
(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by Alexandra
Hudson)
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