In a surprising turn of events, Robert Crimo III, the individual accused of perpetrating the devastating 2022 Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooting, has entered a guilty plea on all 69 charges against him. This includes 21 counts of first-degree murder (three for each victim) and 48 counts of attempted murder. Crimo, 24, initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea during a court appearance on Monday, acknowledging his understanding that a guilty plea would preclude a trial. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23.

The July 4th attack, which took place in downtown Highland Park, a suburb north of Chicago, claimed the lives of seven individuals and left 48 others injured. Crimo allegedly fired upon the parade crowd from a rooftop using a legally obtained Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle. The victims who tragically lost their lives are Jacki Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, Irina and Kevin McCarthy, Katherine Goldstein, Stephen Straus, and Edwardo Uvaldo.

The case has been marked by delays and unexpected turns, including Crimo's earlier rejection of a plea deal, a decision that reportedly surprised his legal team. During recent jury selection proceedings, Crimo’s courtroom presence was inconsistent, sometimes refusing to leave his cell. He even briefly dismissed his public defenders, stating his intention to represent himself, only to reverse this decision shortly after.

Adding another layer to the case, Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., a former mayoral candidate, faced charges related to his son's acquisition of a gun license. He pleaded guilty to reckless conduct misdemeanors in 2023 and served a short jail sentence.