Lake County prosecutors moved to dismiss more than 40 counts of aggravated battery against the suspect in the Highland Park parade shooting as jury selection got off to a slow start Monday morning — on the first day of a trial that could last over a month.
Prosecutors offered no reason for why they moved to dismiss counts 70 through 117 of the felony counts against Robert Crimo III. Crimo is accused of fatally shooting seven people and wounding dozens more from a rooftop overlooking the north suburb’s July 4 parade in 2022.
Crimo still faces 69 counts of murder and attempted murder.
As court began Monday morning, Crimo entered court in a black suit and black tie, without handcuffs. His hair was combed and he wore black Nike gym shoes and white socks.
Judge Victoria Rossetti then said jury selection would be delayed because potential jurors were still filling out lengthy questionnaires. She said that process was taking longer than she anticipated.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart told the judge that one member of the media would be barred from watching the trial because they witnessed the parade shooting and are considered a potential witness.
Prosecutors had previously received permission from the judge to allow witnesses who were wounded in the shooting to watch the entirety of the trial.