01-04-2025
Illinois court rules lawsuit against maker of gun used in Highland Park mass shooting can proceed
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. — An Illinois court ruled Tuesday that a lawsuit filed against the manufacturer of the gun used in the 2022 Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooting can go to trial.
The lawsuit was filed in June of 2024 on behalf of the family of Eduardo Uvaldo, who was one of seven people killed in the mass shooting, as well as a group of survivors and families of children who were also present.
More Coverage: Highland Park Parade Shooting
The lawsuit alleges that gun maker Smith & Wesson marketed and sold its M&P 15 rifle to teenagers, despite its use in previous mass shootings over the last decade, knowing that the marketing promoted and sold an image that catered to and attracted high-risk young men.
The lawsuit further claims that Smith & Wesson's marketing practices 'constituted a negligent entrustment and violated an Illinois state consumer protection law in its promotion of the lethal and criminal use of the weapon.'
Last month, just moments before opening statements in his trial were set to begin, 24-year-old Robert Crimo III pleaded guilty to killing seven people and injuring dozens more when he opened fire during the Independence Day parade in Highland Park.
Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines
The last-minute plea halted a trial that was expected to last about a month, where testimony from survivors and police was also expected.
Prior to the trial, prosecutors had submitted thousands of pages of evidence and hours of a videotaped interrogation during which police claim Crimo confessed to the shooting.
Additionally, the court decided Tuesday that claims against gun sellers Bud's Gun Shop and Red Dot Arms could go forward. The lawsuit alleges both shops sold a weapon to someone they knew was not allowed to have it.
Mom of Highland Park shooter asserts son's innocence after courtroom outburst
In 2019, at age 19, Crimo III was only allowed to apply for a gun license with the sponsorship of a parent or guardian. His father agreed, despite the fact that a relative had previously reported to authorities that Crimo III had a collection of knives and had previously threatened to 'kill everyone.'
Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., a one-time mayoral candidate, later faced charges in connection with how his son obtained the gun license. He eventually pleaded guilty to reckless conduct in 2023 for sponsoring his son's gun application and served a 60-day jail sentence.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
