Robert Eugene Crimo III

Robert Eugene Crimo III was born on September 20, 2000, in Illinois, United States. He was raised in the suburb of Highland Park, north of Chicago. Crimo came from a relatively well-known local family, his father, Robert Crimo Jr., ran for mayor of Highland Park in 2019 and once owned a local deli. Crimo’s upbringing appeared uneventful to many, but over time he became increasingly isolated, mentally disturbed, and obsessed with violence. He cultivated an online persona under the name "Awake the Rapper," uploading disturbing videos and songs featuring graphic imagery, violent fantasies, and ominous references to mass shootings.

Crimo had multiple encounters with police before the shooting. In April 2019, a family member reported that Crimo had attempted suicide. Then in September 2019, police responded again when a relative reported that Crimo had threatened to “kill everyone” in the household. At the time, police confiscated 16 knives, a dagger, and a sword from his residence, but no charges were filed, and the weapons were returned later. Despite this documented behavior, Crimo was still able to legally purchase firearms in Illinois due to a loophole in the state’s gun ownership laws. His father signed a consent form allowing Crimo to apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card under the age of 21. This enabled him to legally buy several firearms.

On July 4, 2022, during the annual Independence Day parade in the upscale suburb of Highland Park, Illinois, Robert Crimo III carried out a meticulously planned mass shooting that became one of the deadliest in the state’s history. At approximately 10:14 a.m., as parade-goers lined Central Avenue to watch floats and marching bands pass by, Crimo, disguised in women’s clothing to conceal his identity and blend into the crowd, climbed onto the roof of a building using a fire escape ladder. From this elevated vantage point, he opened fire with a high-powered Smith & Wesson M&P15-style semi-automatic rifle. Over 80 rounds were fired into the crowd within minutes. 

The attack left seven people dead and at least 48 others injured, including children. Some victims died at the scene while others succumbed to their injuries at hospitals. The shooting caused chaos, with hundreds fleeing in terror, leaving behind strollers, lawn chairs, and belongings on the bloodstained streets.

After the massacre, Crimo dropped the weapon and disguise and escaped the area by blending into the crowd. He then traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, where authorities later learned he considered committing a second shooting but decided against it due to a lack of planning. By late afternoon, police had identified him through the rifle’s serial number, which had been legally purchased in 2020.

 A massive manhunt ensued. Crimo was spotted and arrested after an eight-hour search that ended with a traffic stop on Route 41 near Lake Forest, Illinois. He surrendered without incident. Crimo was later charged with seven counts of first-degree murder and additional charges for each of the dozens wounded. 

Prosecutors stated their intent to pursue dozens more charges and seek a life sentence without the possibility of parole. His trial has been delayed multiple times as defense attorneys evaluate his mental fitness. As of 2025, Crimo remains in custody at the Lake County Jail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.