WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) — Robert Crimo the III, who pleaded guilty to the Highland Park 4th of July Parade shooting, is expected in court for sentencing Wednesday.

The start of Robert Crimo III’s sentencing comes after he suddenly pleaded guilty to scores of murder charges before his trial was even set to start.

Crimo faces life in prison for carrying out the 2022 Highland Park Fourth of July Parade shooting that left seven people dead and dozens of others injured.

Before opening statements began on the first day of Crimo’s trial, the 24-year-old abruptly changed his plea to guilty in front of a courtroom filled with survivors and witnesses of the horrific parade shooting.

He pleaded guilty to 21 counts of first degree murder…and 48 counts of attempted first degree murder.

Survivors said the change in plea brought a sense of relief.

“It was a shock to hear the words that he was changing his plea,” Ashbey Beasley said. “Just knowing that this plea has been entered and we will not have to see him again is what we all need

After the shocking change in plea, prosecutors told reporters they had a mountain of evidence against Crimo, including DNA, fingerprints eyewitnesses and even a videotaped confession.

We’re also expecting to hear from victims of that mass shooting in court Wednesday. Sentencing is set to begin at 9 a.m.

.

About the victims

• Katherine Goldstein, 64, of Highland Park




• Irina McCarthy, 35, of Highland Park




• Kevin McCarthy, 37, of Highland Park




• Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park




• Stephen Straus, 88, of Highland Park




• Nicolas Toledo-Zargoza, 78 of Morelos, Mexico




• Eduardo Uvaldo, 69, of Waukegan

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Victims ID’d; grandfather, lifelong synagogue member among them

Alleged Highland Park shooter Robert Crimo III backs off representing himself in upcoming trial

Highland Park parade shooting suspect Robert Crimo III rejects plea deal

Alleged Highland Park shooter’s comments to police after mass shooting to be allowed during trial

Trial for alleged Highland Park parade shooter begins with jury selection

Jury seated in Highland Park parade shooting trial; alleged shooter not in court Wednesday

Highland Park parade shooter Robert Crimo III changes plea to guilty last-minute