Police detained Robert Crimo III, 21, hours after a gunman opened fire at a Highland Park Fourth of July parade, Illinois. He killed seven people and injured two others. Crimo, also known as Bobby was charged Tuesday with seven counts each of first-degree murder.
Eric Rinehart, Lake County State’s Attorney, stated Wednesday that Crimo had admitted to the shooting.
“His voluntary statement was not required. He was interrogated at the Highland Park Police Department. He was given his Miranda warnings and offered legal counsel, et cetera. He was very detailed about his actions. Rinehart stated that he admitted to the things he did.
Investigators believe the gunman opened fire on parade-goers while the community was celebrating Independence Day at 10:15 AM. Police said that a high-powered rifle similar to the AR-15 was found at the scene. Initial descriptions of the suspect included a young white man with long dark hair.
Lake County Major Crime Task Force Chief Chris Covelli stated Tuesday at a press conference that investigators believe that the suspect disguised himself in women’s clothing to hide his identity during the shooting.
Covelli stated that investigators were able identify Crimo using a combination of video and expedited trace of the rifle recovered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which connected it with the suspect.
He is believed to have merged into the crowd after the shooting and driven away in a Honda Fit.
Covelli stated that he drove to Madison, Wisconsin and “seriously considered using the firearm he was carrying to commit another shooting” at the celebration. He then returned to Chicago.
After someone saw the Honda Fit in a nearby area, he called 911 and was taken into police custody. Covelli stated that another rifle and other firearms were also found in the vehicle. Covelli stated that the weapons were legally purchased by Crimo in Chicago.
Police and FBI were called to Highwood, north of Highland Park, Monday afternoon. CBS Chicago was told by neighbors that Crimo lived there along with his uncle and father. According to his uncle, Crimo lived in an apartment at the back.
His father, a deli-owner, was unsuccessful in his bid for Highland Park mayor in 2019.
Paul, Crimo’s uncle, told CBS Chicago that he was heartbroken by the attack.
“I cannot believe it. He said that he was praying for all of the families as well as for everyone who was hurt or injured.
He said that he had not seen any indications that his nephew might be violent.
He told CBS Chicago that there was no evidence. “I have not seen any indications that would point to this,” he said to CBS Chicago.
Police later cited two incidents that occurred when there were concerns.
“There were some law enforcement contacts. Covelli stated Monday that there was nothing of a violent nature.
Covelli gave a briefing Tuesday afternoon on these contacts. According to him, in April 2019, a person contacted Highland Park Police after finding out that Crimo attempted suicide. Although police responded to his call, the situation was being managed by mental health professionals so it was not considered a police matter.
A family member reported to police that the suspect threatened to kill everyone in September 2019. The suspect was reported to police by a family member. He claimed that he wanted to “kill everyone.” The incident was reported to the Illinois State Police at that time.
He was allowed to get a state firearms owner identification several months later after the incidents. His father gave permission for him to purchase at least one firearm.
Illinois has a red flag law which allows guns to be taken from people in distress. However, the suspect didn’t have guns at the time. CBS News correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports on CBS News that there is no way to track complaints about people not in the system.
CBS Chicago reported that there was an incident in April involving Crimo at Central Avenue Synagogue. This is not far from Monday’s attack. According to a security guard for the congregation, Crimo was seen entering during Saturday morning services. He was dressed in all black leather and carried a backpack. This attracted the attention of the security team at the synagogue.
Marty Blumenthal said that he thought that he might be just casing the area and that he now believes that that is why the suspect was there.
Blumenthal stated that Crimo was checked for weapons by several staff members and left the area after 45 minutes.
Crimo was also known as Awake The Rapper, and uploaded content online that contained violent imagery. Some of Crimo’s videos included his hometown and some featured animated scenes of gun violence. He can be heard saying “I must leave now” in a video depicting gun violence. It is my destiny. It is my destiny.”
Covelli stated that investigators are reviewing the videos but it was unclear why the shooting occurred.
Covelli stated that “at this point we haven’t developed a motivation from Him.”
Nancy Rotering, Highland Park Mayor, said Tuesday on CBS Mornings that Crimo was a friend of hers as a child.
“I was his Cub Scout leader. He was just a small boy at that time. Rotering stated, “My heart breaks for everyone in this town.” Rotering said, “I don’t know what compelled him to do this kind of evil in his hometown. But we have a city in deep mourning right now and it will take us a long time for all of this to heal.”
