HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (AP) — Alleged Highland Park parade shooter Robert Crimo III has changed his mind about representing himself in court. Last month, the 23-year-old expressed his desire to act as his own attorney. However, during a recent court hearing, he opted for a public defender instead.
Crimo is facing 21 counts of murder and nearly 100 other charges related to the 2022 Highland Park parade shooting. His decision to request a public defender during the recent hearing did not come with an explanation for his change of heart.
Legal experts have weighed in on Crimo’s decision, with ABC7 legal consultant Gil Sofer stating that it was the sensible choice. Sofer also pointed out that representing himself would have been legal suicide.
During the hearing, Crimo appeared in court wearing an orange prison uniform and his hair pulled back in a bun. He was handcuffed and under heavy guard. His mother and father were present in the gallery.
Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., had little to say leaving the courthouse. He was released last month from jail after serving time for a misdemeanor conviction related to allowing his son to obtain a firearm owners identification card.
The state’s attorney and the public defender’s office have declined to comment on Crimo’s decision. However, legal experts believe that whoever represents Crimo III in court will face a difficult challenge in defending him, especially since he reportedly confessed to investigators following his arrest.
A jury trial for Crimo III is set to begin on Feb. 26, with another hearing scheduled for next week. Prosecutors say seven people died and 48 were injured when Crimo opened fire on paradegoers on July 4, 2022.