Robert Crimo III has pleaded guilty to all charges as opening arguments were set to begin Monday in his trial for killing seven and shooting 48 others at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade.
The trial for Crimo III, 24, of Highwood, entered its fourth day on Monday at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan with Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti presiding.
Crimo III appeared wearing a black suit and his public defender informed the judge that Crimo III wished to change his plea.
Crimo III pleaded guilty to all 69 charges — 21 counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of attempted murder.
Rossetti asked Crimo III numerous standard questions before accepting his plea, including whether he understood that he was waiving his right to a trial.
The change in plea came following the start of the trial last week, which began last Monday with jury selection. 18 jurors were selected by Wednesday and opening arguments were set to begin today.
Rossetti scheduled a sentencing hearing for April 23. Crimo III faces a mandatory life sentence in prison.
During Monday’s court hearing, the mother of Crimo III interrupted the court as her son was pleading guilty. She claimed he could not plead guilty due to a “federal court order.”
Rossetti had the woman approach the well of the courtroom and warned her she would be removed if she interrupted again.
Crimo III was charged in July 2022 with 117 charges — 48 of them were dismissed last week — after opening fire on paradegoers attending the Fourth of July parade near Second Street and Central Avenue in Highland Park on July 4, 2022.
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 Highland Park crowd.
Crimo III told investigators he fired two full 30-round magazines before loading a third 30-round magazine and firing.
Seven people were killed and 48 others were shot. 83 spent shell casings were recovered at the scene.
Crimo III remains held in the Lake County Jail without bond as he awaits sentencing.