A man accused of killing seven people and injuring dozens during a 2022 Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder just minutes before his trial began.
In a Lake County courtroom, 23-year-old Robert E. Crimo III recanted his previous plea of not guilty in the Highland Park shooting.
The trial began on February 24 with jury selection.
The prosecution initially brought 21 counts of first-degree murder against him – three counts for each person killed – and 48 counts of attempted murder.
Last week, before jury selection began, prosecutors dropped 48 lesser charges of causing great bodily harm.
On Monday, Judge Victoria Rossetti read out the charges against Crimo and asked questions to ensure he understood before an open statement was read. He sat next to his lawyers in a dark suit.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, but Crimo will likely spend the rest of his life in prison. Each first-degree murder charge carries an automatic life sentence.
Krimo did not address the court again or ask any questions before leaving the courtroom.
The trial, which began on February 24, is expected to last about a month and will include testimony from victims and law enforcement officials.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
