In a surprising turn of events, the accused killer in the Highland Park 4th of July shooting, Robert Crimo III, has rejected the guilty plea deal his attorneys had arranged. This unexpected decision has left victims and families disappointed, as they had hoped to see him sentenced to life in prison.

Under the proposed plea deal, Crimo had agreed to plead guilty to seven counts of murder, one for each fatality, and 48 counts of aggravated battery, one for each survivor who was injured in the 2022 shooting. The sentence would have been life imprisonment, with an additional 30 years concurrently for each aggravated battery count.

However, during a court hearing presided over by Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti, Crimo refused to accept the plea deal. When asked if he agreed with the arrangement, he remained silent, turning his head to look at the crowd behind him. After a recess, his attorneys returned to court, and Crimo stated that he did not agree to the plea.

Significantly, this was the first time Crimo appeared in court in a wheelchair, which was provided to him by the Lake County Sheriff's Office. According to spokesman Christopher Covelli, Crimo expressed nervousness, prompting the need for the wheelchair to ensure his presence at the hearing.

The motive behind the shooting, in which Crimo allegedly climbed to the top of a store in downtown Highland Park during the 4th of July parade and opened fire on the crowd, remains unclear. Authorities stated that a search warrant indicated his desire to "wake people up."

The courtroom was packed with approximately 110 people who were taken aback by the unexpected reversal. While victims and their families expressed disappointment, some admitted that they were not entirely surprised. Leah Sundheim, whose mother was killed in the attack, expressed frustration, stating that they had hoped to grieve without the impending trial and the guarantee of a life sentence for Crimo.

Karina Mendez, daughter of one of the victims, shared her father's belief in being accountable for one's actions. Though she hoped for closure, she acknowledged the possibility of such a turn of events, saying her father would encourage patience.

State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, who spoke to the media after the hearing, revealed that they had been working closely with victims and survivors in preparation for the guilty plea. Rinehart emphasized their continued commitment to support the victims and be prepared for the upcoming trial.

This is not the first time Crimo has wavered in his stance on the case. He had previously dismissed his attorneys, expressing his intention to represent himself but later requested their representation once again.

In a related development, Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., pleaded guilty to reckless conduct for authorizing his son to obtain a state firearm owner identification card, despite knowing the risks he posed. Crimo Jr. received a jail sentence of two months, 100 hours of community service, and two years' probation.

Numerous victims have also filed civil suits in connection with the shooting, with approximately 60 plaintiffs joining a suit against Crimo III, his father, gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, and gun retail shops involved in providing Crimo III with firearms.

Antonio Romanucci, representing the plaintiffs, condemned Crimo's actions in court as "absolute unadulterated evil." He expressed the victims' reliance on prosecutors to ensure Crimo is held accountable for his crimes.

As the trial approaches, the victims and their families continue to seek justice, grappling with the disappointment of the failed guilty plea deal and the uncertain road ahead.