Survivors of 2022 July Fourth parade mass shooting to address gunman
before his sentencing
[April 23, 2025]
By SOPHIA TAREEN
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) — Survivors and relatives of people killed in a 2022
mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago are set
to address the gunman Wednesday at his sentencing hearing.
Robert E. Crimo III, 24, pleaded guilty last month to the shooting that
left seven people dead and dozens more injured. His plea change, just
moments before opening statements at his trial, came as a shock even
after years of unpredictable legal proceedings.
Crimo is certain to spend the rest of his life in prison. Each count of
first-degree murder carries a maximum natural life sentence in Illinois.
Prosecutors and attorneys for survivors say addressing Crimo is an
important step.
“They have been patiently waiting for justice to be served,” said a
statement from Romanucci & Blandin, a Chicago-based law firm that
represents nearly 50 victims. They “will tell their personal stories to
the court, and they are steadfastly committed to pursuing justice.”
Attorneys were unsure how many people might give so-called “victim
impact statements,” saying some may decide at the last minute.
Prosecutors are also expected to lay out evidence during the sentencing
hearing at the Lake County Courthouse, roughly 45 miles (70 kilometers)
from Chicago.
The case has moved slowly through the court, in part because of Crimo’s
erratic behavior.
He was expected to accept a plea deal last year but changed his mind
once he got to court, shocking even his own attorneys.
Crimo fired his public defenders and said he would represent himself.
Then he reversed his decision. He's refused to leave his cell to attend
court proceedings at times, including during parts of jury selection.
After he pleaded guilty in court, he signed documents waiving his right
to trial with both his own name and the name “Donald Trump.”
Ashbey Beasley attended the parade with her son in 2022. Though they
weren't injured, she said they had to run for their lives and seeing
Crimo adds to their trauma.
“Every single time I see him, it’s stressful," she told reporters after
the guilty plea. "It’s upsetting for everyone in our community.”
Dozens were wounded in the shooting in the suburb about 30 miles (50
kilometers) north of Chicago. They ranged in age from their 80s down to
an 8-year-old boy who was left partially paralyzed.
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Robert E. Crimo III watches the jury selection process during the
first day of his trial, accused of opening fire on a suburban
Chicago Independence Day parade, killing seven people, at the Lake
County Courthouse, Waukegan, Ill., Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y.
Huh, Pool, File)
Authorities said Crimo perched on a roof and fired into the crowds.
Witnesses described confusion as the shots began, followed by terror
as families bolted from the downtown parade route, leaving lawn
chairs and strollers behind.
Prosecutors had reams of evidence, including Crimo’s videotaped
confession to police.
“We were 1,000% ready to go to trial and prove him guilty to the
jury. We have been working for years to prepare our evidence,” Lake
County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart told reporters after the
guilty plea.
Prosecutors initially charged Crimo with 21 counts of first-degree
murder — three counts for each person killed — and 48 counts of
attempted murder for the injured. Prosecutors later dropped 48 less
serious counts of aggravated battery before jury selection.
Residents in the upscale Highland Park community of roughly 30,000
have mourned the shooting deeply. Some potential jurors were excused
because of their connections to the high-profile case. Several
survivors have also filed lawsuits against Crimo and gunmaker Smith
& Wesson.
City leaders canceled the usual parade in 2023, opting instead for a
“community walk.” The parade was reinstated last year on a different
route and included a memorial.
The seven people killed in the shooting were Katherine Goldstein,
64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas
Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin
McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35.
Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., a former mayoral candidate, was
charged in connection with how his son obtained a gun license. He
pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless
conduct. He served less than two months in jail.
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