Most Highland Park Parade Shooting Victims to Testify at Crimo Trial, Prosecutors Say
Judge to Rule on Motion
Prosecutors asked a Lake County judge on Thursday to allow victims of the Highland Park parade shooting to attend the suspect’s trial even though many might be called as witnesses.
Motion Filed Ahead of Trial
Judge Victoria Rossetti expects to rule on the motion from prosecutors after hearing arguments on February 20, just four days before the trial of Robert Crimo III is scheduled to begin.
Details of the Shooting
Crimo is accused of firing an assault rifle from a rooftop overlooking Highland Park’s 2022 Fourth of July parade, killing seven and wounding dozens more.
Prosecutors’ Request
Prosecutors plan to call a majority of the 48 people wounded in the shooting, according to the written motion.
Witnesses’ Testimony
Typically, witnesses who are expected to testify at a trial are not allowed to watch any part of it. However, prosecutors said the law allows witnesses to attend a trial they are a part of if the witnesses are crime victims and their testimony will not be affected by hearing other testimony.
Prosecutors’ Arguments
None “of the victims the state intends to call will be able to identify the defendant in open court as the one who fired the shots,” prosecutors said in the motion. “They will simply testify as to where they were that day and their experiences before, during, and after the incident. Their testimony about what they did and what they experienced will not be materially affected by hearing other witnesses testify.”
Identifying the Suspect
Prosecutors have said they plan to identify Crimo as the shooting suspect based on video surveillance and the testimony of a former school resource officer who knew the suspect.
Support for Victims
Prosecutors also asked the judge to allow each victim to bring one “support person” to the trial, which the lawyers said is permitted by law.
Judge’s Comments
During a hearing Thursday, Rossetti said she would also discuss “some issues” with submitted jury questionnaires at the next status hearing.
Conclusion
The Highland Park parade shooting was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of seven lives and the injury of dozens more. The prosecution’s request to allow victims to attend the trial is a testament to their commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that the victims are treated with dignity and respect. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched, and the public will be eagerly awaiting the verdict.
FAQs
Q: Who is accused of firing the assault rifle during the Highland Park parade shooting?
A: Robert Crimo III is accused of firing the assault rifle.
Q: How many people were wounded in the shooting?
A: Forty-eight people were wounded in the shooting.
Q: What is the expected outcome of the trial?
A: The outcome of the trial is unknown, but the prosecution is seeking to ensure that justice is served and that the victims are treated with dignity and respect.
Q: Can the victims identify the suspect during the trial?
A: According to prosecutors, none of the victims will be able to identify the defendant in open court as the one who fired the shots.
