Robert Crimo III on Monday pleaded guilty to all charges related to the Highland Park parade shooting of 2022 as opening statements were set to begin in the trial of one of the worst mass shootings in state history.
But Crimo’s mother tried to stop him from telling the judge he understood he was giving up his right to a trial.
“He can’t,” Denise Pesina yelled from the courtroom gallery as one of Crimo’s attorneys announced the 24-year-old would change his plea.
“There’s a court order on this. There’s a federal court order,” Pesina said.
As deputies attempted to remove her from the court, Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti stopped them and brought Pesina to the front of the court.
“I don’t wan to embarrass you in front of everyone,” Rossetti told her. “I know you are Mr. Crimo’s mother. We are in court, so we are going to move forward. You are not a party in this proceeding. If you would like to stay in this proceeding, have a seat and be quiet. Thank you.”
Pesina returned to her seat as the judge asked Crimo if he understood that he was giving up his right to a trial.
“Mr. Crimo, is this what you want to do today — plead guilty?” the judge asked.
Crimo answered, “Yes.”
The judge set a sentencing hearing for April 23. He faces a sentence of up to life in prison.
Crimo showed up to court in a dark suit for prosecutors’ opening statements. Twelve jurors and six alternates were chosen last week for a trial the judge estimated could last between three and five weeks. Prosecutors said they were prepared to bring the majority of the surviving 48 victims of the July, 4, 2022, attack to the stand.
Crimo’s change of plea on Monday ended differently than it had last year, when Crimo indicated he would plead guilty but reversed course at the last minute. The courtroom gallery on Monday was filled but not packed as opening statements were set to begin.
Crimo’s parents both sat behind the defendant on Monday.
Rossetti opened court by saying one of the chosen jurors had been dismissed for cause, without elaborating.
This is a developing story