Waukegan, Illinois – Witnesses of the tragic 2022 mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade near Chicago faced the haunting memories of the event during the sentencing hearing of Robert “Bobby” E. Crimo III. Despite Crimo’s absence from the courtroom, emotional testimonies were shared by survivors, family members of victims, first responders, and witnesses of the shooting.

Crimo, 24, had previously pleaded guilty to 69 counts, including 21 counts of murder, for the shooting that claimed the lives of seven individuals and left nearly 50 others injured at a parade in Highland Park, located about 30 miles outside of Chicago. Facing life without the possibility of parole due to Illinois’ lack of capital punishment, Crimo’s sentencing proceeded in his absence.

One witness, Dana Ruder Ring, a mother from Highland Park, recounted her experience of assisting a young boy to safety as the shooting unfolded. Victims were identified, including Stephen Straus, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, Eduardo Uvaldo, Katherine Goldstein, Jacquelyn Sundheim, and the married couple Kevin McCarthy and Irina McCarthy.

Gerald Cameron Jr., a retired commander of investigations for the Highland Park Police Department, vividly described the chaos that ensued during the parade as shots rang out. Prosecutors presented images and videos from the tragic day, prompting deep emotions from those present in the courtroom.

Testimonies revealed that Crimo had been planning the mass shooting for years, with Detective Brian Bodden sharing insights into Crimo’s preparations leading up to the event. Despite expressing moments of hesitation, Crimo ultimately carried out the deadly attack, targeting adult victims while trying to avoid harming children.

Dr. Jeremy Smiley, an ER physician who was present at the parade, shared the lasting impact of the shooting, particularly highlighting the case of Cooper Roberts, an 8-year-old who was shot and paralyzed during the massacre. The emotional testimonies from witnesses and victims painted a harrowing picture of the events that unfolded that fateful day in Highland Park.

As the sentencing hearing continued, the courtroom was filled with a mix of grief, anger, and resilience from those affected by the senseless act of violence. The community grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy as they sought justice for the lives lost and the survivors who continue to endure the physical and emotional scars of the mass shooting.