As Highland Park residents still try to make sense of an evolutionary moment in their community’s history, they experience relief— but not closure.
On the first day of trial, Robert “Bobby” Crimo surprised the courtroom after pleading guilty to charges related to one of the worst mass shootings in state history at the 2022 Fourth of July parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.
The incident from a few short years ago is remembered as a day of tragedy, when Crimo opened fire from a rooftop overlooking the Independence Day parade being celebrated. He quickly fled the scene to escape authorities, disguising himself as a woman while blending into society. A lasting manhunt led to the arrest of Crimo in the neighboring town of Lake Forest.
July 4, 2022, remains a painful memory, and since then, fear has been instilled in the air of the community. Highland Park still grieves the loss of their seven residents. Among those are: Irina McCarthy, 35; Kevin McCarthy, 37; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Katherine Goldstein, 64; Nicolas Toledo-Zargoza, 78; and Stephen Straus, 88.
“Although my family wasn’t directly affected, we still felt grief and sadness for the people affected and for our community. At school, I would constantly think about how I almost was there when the gunshots were fired,” Highland Park resident Chase Willimson said.
Crimo could potentially face up to life in prison for his actions. This is the maximum possible sentencing for Crimo, as Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011.
Members of the Highland Park community hold mixed emotions as the trial begins. The tragedy has resulted in lasting apprehension for all involved, yet the pursuit of justice being served for the community launches hope for the future.
“The whole city is relieved. This tragedy struck the lives of so many people in Highland Park and even the neighboring communities. But coming with justice is also anxiety,” Williamson said. “Memories of that fatal day are coming back now that the trial is beginning and people can become anxious waiting for the results.”
Before the shooting, Crimo was known to have turbulent behavior and showed signs of being clearly disturbed. In 2019, he had engaged in a suicide attempt where police were called to the scene.
A second, more traumatizing act of chaos, occurred only a few short years later.
Through this confusing time, Highland Park community members are more connected than ever. Trust and support of neighbors flood the community.
“I remember the first day back at school. It was the only thing anyone could talk or think about. That first day of school made me truly see and realize the impact it had on the community,” Highland Park student Joey Moyer said.
With the trial underway and the sentencing scheduled for April 23, the Highland Park community holds onto hope as they continue to navigate the weight of the horrific day.
