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Boston Globe
24-02-2025
- Boston Globe
Jury selection to begin in murder trial of suspect in suburban Chicago July 4 parade
Authorities allege a gunman perched on a roof shot at crowds assembled for a Fourth of July parade in downtown Highland Park, an upscale suburb 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Chicago. Seven people were killed in the 2022 shooting, including both parents of a toddler. Dozens more were wounded. They ranged in age from their 80s down to a then- 8-year-old boy who was left partially paralyzed. Witnesses described confusion as shots rang out, followed by terror as families abandoned the parade route, leaving behind lawn chairs and strollers to find safety inside homes and businesses. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up City leaders canceled the parade the following year but reinstated it in 2024 with a memorial for the victims. Advertisement Mayor Nancy Rotering has said the city doesn't want to be defined by the mass shooting. This month, she announced the parade will return in July, but without fireworks, partly because of 'community trauma.' 'This year's parade theme reminds us that teams bring people together in support of a common goal, and that we are most resilient when we support each other,' Rotering said. 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. The case Crimo faces 21 counts of first-degree murder — three counts for each person killed — as well as 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery. Prosecutors have turned over about 10,000 pages of evidence, as well as hours of a video-taped interrogation during which police say Crimo confessed to the shooting. But the 24-year-old Crimo has since pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal. Court proceedings have made parts of the interrogation public, and defense attorneys tried unsuccessfully to have the videos thrown out, alleging Crimo's rights were being violated. Advertisement Videos show officers repeatedly asking Crimo if he understood his Miranda rights, which include the right to remain silent and have an attorney present. 'I've heard them a million times,' Crimo said at one point. Prosecutors also have shown footage of a person dressed in women's clothing and identified by police as Crimo headed toward the parade route on the morning of July 4, 2022. Something that could also hurt the defense is Crimo's unpredictable behavior in court. He didn't show up to two previous court hearings, refusing to leave his Lake County jail cell. And in June 2024, when he was expected to accept a plea deal and give victims and relatives a chance to address him publicly, he showed up to court in a wheelchair and rejected the deal, surprising even his lawyers. He also fired his public defenders and said he would represent himself, then abruptly reversed himself. 'Anything could happen at this point,' said Eric Johnson, a law professor at the University of Illinois. Crimo's defense attorneys and Lake County prosecutors have repeatedly declined comment ahead of the trial. The family Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. The charges focused on how his son obtained a gun license. 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, even though a relative had reported to police that his son had a collection of knives and had threatened to 'kill everyone.' Crimo Jr., a onetime mayoral candidate and former owner of a now-closed deli, has attended his son's court hearings, making eye contact with him during hearings. He declined to discuss the case in detail. Advertisement 'As a parent, I love my son very much and Bobby loves this country more than anyone would ever know,' he said during a phone interview. 'I have no further comment.' The jury Potential jurors are due at the courthouse in Waukegan on Monday for what attorneys expect to be a monthlong trial. But the high-profile case could complicate efforts to find a jury. Survivors and their families have filed multiple lawsuits, including against the maker of the semiautomatic rifle used in the shooting and against authorities they accuse of negligence. Those who have spoken out declined interviews ahead of the trial. Some are expected to testify, along with police and a former school resource officer who encountered Crimo during middle and high school. Experts say attorneys will have to approach juror selection with extra care. 'There is information that's out there,' said Alan Tuerkheimer, who consults lawyers on jury strategy but isn't involved in the trial. 'This is the kind of thing that has affected people in the community.'
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Highland Park announces Independence Day plans
The Brief Highland Park unveiled its Independence Day event plans, including a community festival on July 3 and a "Dream Team" parade on July 4. The city will also hold a remembrance ceremony to honor victims of the 2022 Fourth of July parade shooting. There will be no evening events or fireworks, as the city takes a trauma-informed approach to community needs. HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - With a renewed focus on community spirit and remembrance, Highland Park today announced its Independence Day celebration plans. Events will kick off on July 3 with a community festival at The Preserve of Highland Park. There will be music, food, games and more. Then, on July 4, the "Dream Team"-themed parade will take place in downtown Highland Park, celebrating togetherness and resilience. What we know The events mark the continuation of Highland Park's efforts to reclaim its Fourth of July traditions following the tragic 2022 mass shooting at the Independence Day parade that left seven people dead and dozens injured. Recognizing the importance of reflection, the city will host a remembrance on the morning of July 4 to honor those who lost their lives and to show solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. "Highland Park's Independence Day events reflect the community's patriotic spirit and steadfast commitment to supporting and celebrating each other," said Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering. The "Dream Team" parade, celebrating the spirit of teamwork and unity, will step off at 11 a.m. on July 4. "Whether that's family or friends, sports, dance, faith, community or neighborhood… Parade participants and attendees are encouraged to wear team jerseys and apparel, and floats will celebrate the colors and mascots of favorite teams and organizations," the city said in a news release. The parade will follow the same route as 2024, beginning at First St. and Laurel Ave. and progressing through downtown Highland Park to Sunset Woods Park. Notably, there will be no evening events or fireworks. The city cited community trauma, sustainability concerns, and pet needs as reasons for pausing nighttime festivities. The city council plans to engage with the community later this year to gather feedback and ideas for 2026. What's next As planning continues, updates will be provided by both the city and park district on their respective websites. The Source The information in this article was provided by the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park.
CBS News
13-02-2025
- CBS News
Highland Park announces plans for second July 4th parade since 2022 mass shooting
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The city of Highland Park will host a 4th of July parade this year, the second Independence Day celebration since a gunman killed seven people at the annual parade in 2022. Before the parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on July 4, Highland Park will host a remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. for the people who were killed three years ago. The city also is planning a community festival on July 3 at The Preserve of Highland Park, featuring an evening of dinner, music, games, and other attractions. Highland Park canceled its July 4th parade in 2023, holding only a memorial procession for the victims of the shooting. Mayor Nancy Rotering said the goal of this year's festivities is "to continue to bring back the celebration of the holiday to our community." "So many of our kids were involved with the parade when the mass shooting occurred, and in the immediate aftermath they asked if they would ever be able to celebrate the 4th of July again, which just broke my heart," she said. "When we talked to people who have grown up in Highland Park, for the vast majority their favorite memory is being part of that parade; either bringing their bicycle, or their dog. So, to me, it's important as we continue on our journey together to try to heal, move forward, that we continue to bring these special times for our community to come together." Rotering said the city doesn't want the 2022 mass shooting to define Highland Park. "Who we are are neighbors who care about one another; people who will hug each other on the street corner if they can sense something's just not quite all together. And so we will continue to lean into that compassion and that strength," she said. Rotering said she hopes young people in Highland Park, in particular, are moving past the shooting. A memorial in the Rose Garden across from Highland Park City Hall remains open to the public. Parade participation sign-up begins on March 3. Information will be posted at when available.
