The father of the man accused of shooting dead seven people during last year’s July 4th parade in Illinois has pleaded guilty to helping his son get a gun license despite clear warning signs.
Robert Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty to seven counts on Monday in a Lake County court in Illinois and was quickly sentenced to 60 days in jail starting next week.
He was initially charged with seven counts of reckless endangerment after Robert Crimo III allegedly opened fire during the 2022 Independence Day parade in Highland Park.
Crimo Jr. helped her son get a gun license in 2019 even after a relative told police months earlier that the 19-year-old had a stash of knives and threatened to “kill everyone” in the house, authorities previously said.
As a result, a sword, dagger and 15 knives were temporarily confiscated from the house of the suspected mass shooter.
Attorney General Eric Rinehart said Monday that the father also knew his son had suicidal thoughts before helping him get his license.
Robert E. Crimo Jr., spoke with his attorney George Gomez Monday. AP
“It’s 2 1/2 years later,” he told reporters, referring to the time between the gun application and the mass shooting, “but he was still reckless — he was criminally reckless — when he submitted that affidavit.”
Crimo Jr., in an exclusive interview with The Post days after the mass shooting, insisted he did nothing wrong that led to the massacre.
“They make me feel like I trained him to do all this,” he said of the critics. “I’ve been here all my life, and I’m going to stay here, hold my head up, because I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Crimo Jr’s son is accused of shooting dead seven people last year. AP A drawing of a person holding a gun is seen in this still image taken from a video uploaded by Robert (Bob) E. Crimo III.Robert Crimo via REUTERS
Crimo Jr.’s defense attorney George Gomez said Monday Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty to reckless misconduct so Highland Park residents would not have to relive “this tragic event” and to ensure the younger Crimo received a fair trial.
His client fears evidence of the shooting that may be aired during his trial could affect his Crimo III legal case, Gomez alleged.
“Mr. Crimo ultimately does not want his family to be more divided on the public stage than it already is,” said Gomez.
A guilty plea comes with some jail time. AP
Crimo III faces 21 counts of first degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery.
His trial date has not been set.
He allegedly confessed to being a depraved gunman just hours after his arrest, prosecutors said.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
