WAUKEGAN, Ill. — The man accused of firing an assault rifle into crowds at a July Fourth parade in suburban Chicago last year, killing seven people, said Monday that he plans to represent himself at his trial, which is set to start in February.

Robert E. Crimo III, wearing a red shirt and red handcuffs, appeared in a Lake County courtroom, but did not explain why he wants to represent himself. He is facing 117 charges, including 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery, in connection with the shooting in Highland Park.

Judge Victoria Rossetti made it clear that Crimo, 23, would be responsible for filing all of his own motions and would not be getting any special treatment in jail for representing himself.

  • jordanlund@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    11
    ·
    1 year ago

    FTA:

    “After the attack, prosecutors said that Crimo confessed in detail to the shooting and revealed that he had considered a second attack in Wisconsin.”

    So, realistically, it doesn’t matter if he represents himself or not…

    • pivot_root@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      6
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      With that kind of stupid confession, he’s probably better off taking a plea deal. But, at the same time, he has a fool for his legal representation, so he probably won’t.

      • sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        1 year ago

        If they have a confession, why would they bother offering a plea deal? It’s an open and shut case, especially if he’s going to represent himself. Any plea deal would still most likely result in him dying in prison.

        • pivot_root@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          1 year ago

          I was trying to put a spin on the old saying of “a lawyer representing himself has a fool for a client,” but you make a very good point. He’s screwed either way.

        • quindraco@lemm.ee
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          1 year ago

          If he had a competent lawyer, the lawyer would likely get him a plea deal for a slightly less bad prison. Every judge and prosecutor prefers avoiding court and will give out minor incentives for letting them do so.