A judge on Wednesday set the trial date for February 2025 for the Highland Park parade shooter accused of killing seven and wounding dozens in 2022.
Robert E. Crimo III, 23, of Highwood, faces 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm.
Crimo III appeared for a brief status hearing on Wednesday before Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Ben Dillon said his office was requesting the trial to begin in September or October because they had already been prepared for the trial to take place this year.
Attorneys with the Lake County Public Defender’s Office requested the trial not begin until February 2025.
Rossetti said it was previously agreed at a scheduling conference that the trial would take place in February 2025.
“And just because Mr. Crimo, for a short period of time, asked to represent himself, I don’t think that should change the trial date,” she said.
The judge officially set the trial for February 24, 2025.
The case was previously scheduled for a February 2024 trial after Crimo decided to represent himself in December and formally requested a speedy trial.
The Lake County Public Defender’s Office was reappointed to the case last month.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said following the Wednesday court hearing that his office would have been ready for trial this month.
“Our team of prosecutors and victim specialist have been meeting with and talking with the victims since this horrible crime. We will continue to do so. The most important thing is that we secure certain justice as best as we can for the victims, families, survivors, and the entire Lake County community,” Rinehart said.
A case management hearing is scheduled for April 24.
Crimo has been held in the Lake County Jail without bond since July 6, 2022.
He remains in the Administrative Segregation Unit (ASU) of the Lake County Jail following two separate rule violations.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said Crimo III verbally threatened a correctional officer in November and then in December used the PIN of another inmate to make a telephone call at a time when his phone privileges were suspended.
Prosecutors previously said Crimo III admitted to “looking down his sights” of his Smith & Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle before opening fire on the crowd on July 4, 2022, near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park.
Crimo told investigators he fired two full 30-round magazines before loading a third 30-round magazine and firing, Dillon said.
Seven people were killed and dozens of others were shot. 83 spent shell casings were recovered at the scene.