Accused mass murderer Robert Crimo III refused a plea deal on Wednesday that would have sent him to prison for life. Instead, he will face trial next year.
Crimo, 23, appeared at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, Ill., seated in a wheelchair. Prosecutors had offered a deal where he would plead guilty to seven counts of murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery in exchange for life imprisonment, with other charges dismissed.
However, when asked by Judge Victoria Rossetti if he accepted the plea deal, Crimo stayed silent. His attorneys requested a recess to discuss the matter with him, and upon returning, Crimo again declined the plea deal.
Judge Rossetti scheduled his criminal trial to start on February 25 and ended the hearing.
Families of the shooting victims expressed frustration, accusing Crimo of playing games and manipulating the court. They believed he never intended to accept the plea deal and accused him of continuing his reign of terror.
Crimo stands accused of killing seven people and injuring 48 others in a shooting during a July 4, 2022, parade in Highland Park, Ill. He faces numerous felony charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder.
According to prosecutors, Crimo allegedly carried out the attack from a rooftop, disguised as a woman, and used a military-style rifle. He was apprehended after a car chase later that day.
Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident and agreed to testify against his son as part of a plea deal.