Court case for Highland Park shooting suspect moves along, even as he fails to appear

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A court hearing for the man accused of killing seven people and wounding dozens of others at the 2022 Highland Park Fourth of July Parade went ahead on Thursday — without him in court.

The hearing only lasted about three minutes, with brief talk of motions and the judge setting more hearing dates.

It was supposed to be the first court appearance for Robert Crimo III since he rejected a plea deal in June 2024, which would have him spend the rest of his life in prison.

Instead, his public defenders said Crimo declined to come to court and asked the judge to waive his appearance, which she did. It was the latest unpredictable move by the 23-year-old.

Prosecutors want to admit bank records that they say show how Crimo paid for the gun he allegedly used in the deadly attack.

His murder trial is slated to start in February 2025.

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