The man who shot seven people in the Highland Park shooting spree in Chicago on July 4, 2022, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, surprising survivors and family members.
Robert Crimo III had initially agreed to plead guilty to seven counts of murder and 48 other charges in exchange for life in prison.
The 23-year-old defendant, however, withdrew from the deal at the last minute, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The sudden change left victims and their families in shock, as they were willing to give their testimony about how that fateful day affected them.
The defendant, who appeared in court in a wheelchair and sporting a “47” tattoo on the side of his head, remained silent in court.
According to several experts, his tattoo could be a reference to the date of the shooting (7/4), but in reverse.
After a break between Crimo and his attorneys to discuss the deal, the defendant said “no” to the plea deal.
The judge then set his trial for February 25, 2025.
