Crimo rejects plea deal in Highland Park shootings

In a surprising move, alleged Highland Park shooter Robert Crimo III did not accept the negotiated plea deal that would have put him in prison for life for the Highland Park 4th of July mass shooting two years ago.

Why it matters: The decision means Crimo's case will now move forward to trial — with a date set in February 2025.

Catch up fast: The Lake County prosecutor announced Wednesday a plea deal that would change Crimo's plea from not guilty to guilty on seven counts of murder, and almost 50 counts of aggravated battery.

• Under the terms of the agreement, he was to be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Yes, but: When the judge asked Crimo if he agreed to the deal, he sat silent in the courtroom, per Chicago Tribune .

• After his attorneys called for a short recess, Crimo came back into the courtroom and when asked again, said "no."

The intrigue: Since last week, prosecutors had signaled that Crimo would change his plea .

Context: Crimo is charged with 117 felony counts for allegedly killing seven people and wounding 48 others at the Highland Park 4th of July parade in 2022.

• After the shooting, local authorities chased him down after he fled the scene. He was eventually captured in nearby Waukegan.