The death toll of the July 4th mass shooting in Chicago has tallied up to seven, plus dozens of injuries. The suspect, identified as Robert E. “bobby” Crimo III was peacefully apprehended by the police more than eight hours after the terror.
Lake County’s State Attorney Eric Rinehart told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday evening, “These are the first of many charges that will be filed against Mr. Crimo”
Recent incidents involving Crimo, prior to Monday’s shooting have surfaced. Sergeant Christopher Covelli, along other authorities, spoke on two different occasions the suspect exhibited violent urges.
The most recent event occurred in September 2019, when a family member told the police that Crimo “was going to kill everyone.” The police arrived at the scene and confiscated 16 knives that belonged to the suspect.
In April 2019, five months earlier, the police was alerted by a concerned individual who said Crimo attempted to commit suicide. “Police spoke with both Crimo and his parents, in which they learned mental health professionals were handling the situation,” according to authorities.
Covelli told reporters that between 2020 and 2021, Crimo purchased five firearms: two of which were rifles. The weapons were confiscated by the police at the home of Crimo’s father, Monday evening.
Based on video surveillance, a woman supposedly witnessed Crimo drop an item in a red blanket behind a Ross store, soon after the shooting. Covelli later disclosed that the item was a rifle, and authorities are requesting for the witness to reveal themself.
The 4th of July parade ended in tragedy after Crimo stationed himself on the rooftop of a nearby business and opened fire on the celebration. The perpetrator pre planned the attack for several weeks. Crimo dressed in a woman’s clothing to disguise himself and escaped with the crowd.
After clearing himself away from the crime scene, Crimo made his way to his mother’s home, borrowed a vehicle, and drove southbound. After being identified as a person of interest, his identity and car description was publicized. A police officer spotted his vehicle later that evening, and conducted a routine traffic stop before arresting Crimo.
Multiple firearms were recovered from Crimo’s residence and the car he borrowed from his mother. Prosecutors believe Crimo acted alone and he’s being charged with seven counts of first degree murder.