Crimo Confession Admissible In Court, Judge Finds Accused Shooter Waived Right To Lawyer
WAUKEGAN, IL — The judge overseeing the trial of Highland Park parade shooting defendant Robert “Bobby” Crimo III ruled Wednesday that a recording of his questioning by police can be admitted as evidence in his upcoming trial.
Lake County Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti denied a motion from Crimo’s public defenders, who argued that police violated his constitutional rights when they prevented Pat Semrad, an attorney hired by his family, from accessing the accused mass shooter during two days of questioning.
Rossetti determined Crimo had knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently waived his right to counsel on multiple occasions, citing video recordings and witness testimony.
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“Additionally, the general tone of the interview is recorded on July 4 and July 5 of 2022 appeared to be conversational and non threatening, with an informal and relaxed atmosphere,” Rosetti said.
Crimo, 24, faces 117 felony charges, including 21 counts of first-degree murder, for allegedly killing seven people and wounding dozens more after opening fire on paradegoers from a rooftop on July 4, 2022. Prosecutors plan to use the interrogation videos, which reportedly include a confession, as key evidence at trial, scheduled to begin Feb. 24.
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Defense attorneys claimed Crimo’s rights were violated when police refused to allow Semrad, a bankruptcy attorney hired by Crimo’s father, to meet with him at the Highland Park Police Department.
Video evidence presented in court at a hearing last month showed detectives informing Crimo that a lawyer was in the lobby, but Crimo declined to speak with him multiple times, forfeiting his right to legal counsel.
Earlier: Judge To Rule Whether Cops Violated Accused Mass Shooter’s Rights, Denied Attorney Access
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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