Illinois judge denies dismissal of case against parade shooting suspect’s father.
Judge Refuses to Dismiss Case Against Father in Chicago Shooting
A judge in Chicago has made a crucial decision in the case against a father who allegedly helped his son obtain a gun license, three years before the son went on to fatally shoot seven people at a Fourth of July parade in 2022. The judge rejected arguments that the charges against Robert Crimo Jr. were based on an unconstitutionally vague law and that the prosecution had exceeded the statute of limitations. As a result, Crimo Jr.’s trial will proceed as scheduled on November 6.
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The judge took three weeks to consider his decision and announced it during a hearing in Waukegan. Despite the hopes of the defense, the judge ruled against dismissing the case. Robert Crimo Jr. remained composed throughout the hearing, showing no visible reaction to the judge’s decision.
Crimo Jr. pleaded not guilty to seven counts of reckless conduct, each count carrying a maximum three-year prison term. Prosecutors alleged that he assisted his son in obtaining a gun license, despite the son’s history of making threats. The defense argued that the state law used to charge Crimo Jr. is too vague and fails to define what actions constitute reckless conduct. They also claimed that signing a truthful affidavit should not be considered a criminal act.
However, Judge Strickland disagreed, stating that the law is specific enough and similar to other constitutional laws. He emphasized that it only applies to reckless conduct causing great bodily harm. Meanwhile, the son, Robert Crimo III, faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder, but no trial date has been set.
Prosecutors maintain that the father’s sponsorship of his son’s gun license application in 2019 forms the basis of their case. They allege that the son had a history of violent behavior and threats. The defense also argued that the statute of limitations had expired, but the judge ruled that the timeline should be counted from the day of the shooting, not from Crimo Jr.’s signature on the application.
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