WAUKEGAN, Ill. — The man accused of firing an assault rifle into crowds at a July Fourth parade in suburban Chicago last year, killing seven people, said Monday that he plans to represent himself at his trial, which is set to start in February.
Robert E. Crimo III, wearing a red shirt and red handcuffs, appeared in a Lake County courtroom, but did not explain why he wants to represent himself. He is facing 117 charges, including 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery, in connection with the shooting in Highland Park.
Judge Victoria Rossetti made it clear that Crimo, 23, would be responsible for filing all of his own motions and would not be getting any special treatment in jail for representing himself.
If they have a confession, why would they bother offering a plea deal? It’s an open and shut case, especially if he’s going to represent himself. Any plea deal would still most likely result in him dying in prison.
I was trying to put a spin on the old saying of “a lawyer representing himself has a fool for a client,” but you make a very good point. He’s screwed either way.
If he had a competent lawyer, the lawyer would likely get him a plea deal for a slightly less bad prison. Every judge and prosecutor prefers avoiding court and will give out minor incentives for letting them do so.