Lake County Gazette

Lake County State's Attorney candidate Mary Cole stated that the families, victims, and survivors of the Highland Park shooting who had gathered at the Lake County Courthouse were not given closure. "Rather than getting a step forward in that healing process, Robert Crimo III revictimized and traumatized them once again," she said in a June 27 Facebook post.

"The survivors, victims, and families of the July 4, 2022, Highland Park Shooting came to the Lake County Courthouse yesterday, seeking to begin the healing process in the aftermath of an unspeakable crime," said Cole, according to Facebook. "Rather than getting a step forward in that healing process, Robert Crimo III revictimized and traumatized them once again. I stand with the survivors, victims, and families now and always."

In her Facebook post, Cole shared a link to a WTTW report on the Highland Park shooter’s rejection of a deal that would have resulted in a life sentence. According to WTTW, Crimo had been expected to plead guilty on June 26 to seven counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Screenshot of Mary Cole For Lake County State's Attorney June 27 Facebook post | Mary Cole for Lake County State's Attorney Facebook page

Judge Victoria Rossetti asked Crimo III if he had discussed the deal with his attorneys. He did not answer initially; after a brief recess, he told the court that he had discussed it but would not agree to it. His trial is scheduled for February 2025, according to WTTW.

The Chicago Sun-Times also reported on the event, calling it "the latest in a series of false starts by the 23-year-old suspect." The paper noted he was expected to plead guilty to 55 counts and be sentenced immediately to life without parole and an additional 30-year sentence for aggravated battery, to be served consecutively. The Chicago Sun-Times further reported that Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s office was notified on June 17 that Crimo wanted to change his original not guilty plea, and that the plea deal wouldn’t be official until the judge questioned Crimo in court.

According to CNN, the July 4, 2022 shooting occurred at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade. Crimo used a "high-powered rifle" in the attack and may have planned it. CNN also noted that authorities had dealt with him twice in 2019, removing multiple knives from his home during one incident.

Cole, a former assistant state’s attorney in Lake County, has emphasized her commitment to addressing issues like low morale and inadequate attorney training in the office during her campaign for the November 2024 election. Another news source reveals Cole is a partner at Brady Cole Trial Lawyers. She has experience in both prosecution and defense, with a strong track record in handling cases involving DUIs (Driving Under Influence), domestic battery, and orders of protection.