Highland Park (IL) Fourth of July Parade Shooting Afternoon Update (July 5, 2022)
July 5, 2022 (3:52 PM) – The City of Highland Park and Lake County Major Crimes Task Force hosted an update briefing on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 3:15 PM regarding the ongoing investigation into the shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the victims of this tragedy:
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-Zaragoza (78) of Morelos, Mexico
A seventh victim succumbed to injuries within Cook County; further information is not available at this time. The City of Highland Park shares in the grief of all mourning the loss of a loved one in this tragic incident.
Lake County Major Crimes Task Force Deputy Chief Chris Covelli reviewed two prior incidents involving Robert E. Crimo III in 2019 that were recorded by the Highland Park Police Department. In April, 2019, an individual contacted the Highland Park Police Department to report that Mr. Crimo had attempted suicide a week prior. There were no threats to public at the time the police were made aware of the incident, and responding officers were informed mental health professionals were handling the matter.
The second incident occurred in September, 2019. A family member reported that Mr. Crimo told him that “he was going to kill everyone,” referring to family inside the home, and that Mr. Crimo had a collection of knives. Highland Park Police responded to Mr. Crimo’s residence. Responding officers removed 16 knives, a dagger, and a sword from Mr. Crimo’s home, but had no cause to arrest Mr. Crimo at that time. Highland Park Police did, however, immediately notify the Illinois State Police.
Law enforcement investigators are sincerely thankful for the overwhelming response of community tips. Based on video surveillance recovered at the scene, investigators are aware there is a female witness who saw Mr. Crimo drop an object in a red blanket, behind Ross’s at 625 Central Avenue, following the shooting. Thus far, investigators have not been able to identify that witness. Investigators ask the witness who saw this to please call 800-CALL-FBI.
Investigators also ask anyone with firsthand information about Mr. Crimo that could be relevant to this investigation to contact 800-CALL-FBI. Investigators are looking for first-hand information, not information heard from another person.
The Lake County State’s Attorney will hold a press conference at 5:15 p.m. this evening, where the City of Highland Park and Lake County Major Crimes Task Force anticipate a chagrining announcement regarding Mr. Crimo.