Judge to Rule on Suspect’s Attempt to Bar Hours of Interrogation from Trial
Attorneys for Highland Park Massacre Suspect Argue Police Violated Constitutional Rights
Attorneys for Robert Crimo III, the suspect accused of killing seven people in the Highland Park massacre, attempted to persuade a Lake County judge to bar hours of police interrogation video from the upcoming trial. They argued that investigators withheld critical information that might have prompted their client to stop talking.
Police Violated Constitutional Rights, Attorneys Claim
The lawyers contend that police violated the constitutional rights of Robert Crimo III by not giving him complete details about a lawyer who came to the police station that day to consult with him. They claim that authorities denied Crimo access to an attorney and prevented the family-hired lawyer from entering the interrogation room.
Prosecutors Push Back on Defense’s Position
Prosecutors, however, argue that police told Crimo everything he needed to know to make a decision about talking to an attorney. They claim that Crimo was aware that he could talk to a lawyer in that moment and chose not to.
Judge to Issue Written Ruling
Judge Victoria Rossetti said she would issue a written ruling on the motion and another one made by prosecutors. The next court hearing is scheduled for December 18.
Prosecutors Seek to Allow Former School Resource Officer to Identify Crimo in Surveillance Videos
Prosecutors are also asking Rossetti to allow a former school resource officer who knows Crimo to be allowed to identify him in surveillance videos they plan to show at the trial, which is set for February 2025.
Crimo Appears in Court, Flashes Peace Sign
Crimo appeared in court in Waukegan on Thursday after skipping several hearings. He flashed a peace sign in the direction of prosecutors twice during the hearing, when sheriff’s deputies escorted him into and out of the courtroom.
Crimo Accused of Killing Seven People in Highland Park Massacre
Crimo is accused of killing seven people with an assault rifle from a rooftop overlooking Highland Park’s July 4 parade in 2022.
Conclusion
The judge’s ruling on the motion to bar hours of police interrogation video from the trial will have significant implications for the case. The prosecution’s attempt to allow a former school resource officer to identify Crimo in surveillance videos is also a crucial aspect of the trial.
FAQs
* What is the motion brought by Crimo’s attorneys?
+ The motion seeks to bar around six hours of police interrogation of Crimo, recorded on video, after the attorneys claimed authorities violated his constitutional rights by denying him access to an attorney.
* What is the prosecution’s argument?
+ Prosecutors argue that police told Crimo everything he needed to know to make a decision about talking to an attorney and that Crimo was aware that he could talk to a lawyer in that moment and chose not to.
* What is the next court hearing?
+ The next court hearing is scheduled for December 18.
