Our community may never heal from the Defendant’s calculated and heinous actions that destroyed so many lives. But today is an important step about justice. Today is about
And 48 others who were physically hurt – who bled, who cried, who may never heal
Today is also about the hundreds who still remember and feel the trauma from that awful day – a day that should have been about celebration and recovering from the pandemic. Instead, it turned into a day of death and anguish for so many.
This morning, the shooter in the Highland Park Trial, pled guilty to 21 counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of Attempted first degree murder.
This was not a negotiation. This was not a deal. He made a free decision to plead guilty to every count that was about to be presented to a jury. He received nothing in exchange.
We were 1000% ready for trial and to prove him guilty.
We have been working for years to prepare our evidence that includes DNA testing, fingerprint identification, firearm records, video evidence, identification evidence that put him in the alley walking up to the roof, on the roof, and descending from the roof at the time of the shooting. We also were prepared to present his voluntary confession that he made that day to law enforcement.
His admissions would have confirmed every piece of physical evidence, trajectory analysis, ballistics reports, DNA conclusions, and eyewitness testimony.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office continues to express its condolences to all who lost a loved one and to all who were hurt physically and psychologically. Our Victim Services Division remains dedicated to uplifting victims, connecting them to resources, and helping them navigate the judicial process. Our team is available, ready, and willing to accompany victims through each step as we prepare for sentencing. Our team STILL stands with you.
I want to acknowledge the heroes that day who ran toward the gunfire. First responders, police, EMTs, fire department professionals, and civilians all helped their friends and neighbors without hesitating, without thinking of themselves.
Every member of law enforcement, the City of Highland Park, the FBI, the Illinois State Police, Lake County, and this office has risen to every moment challenge since 10:14AM July 4, 20222.
Justice in the legal system does not descend upon a case, it is earned. It comes from the bravery of every victim and surviving family member who was going to come forward today AND will come forward during sentencing.
Justice comes from the hours of victim support that Highland Park and our federal partners provided
Justice comes from the victim support professionals and administrative support that hundreds of dedicated employees have provided to those in need.
Justice comes from the tireless law enforcement professionals who never stopped to make sure that the investigation was complete.
And justice comes from the amazing men and women in this office that were ready every step of the way.
I want to again thank everyone who played a part in this journey. The journey will not end for many. We will move to sentencing and continue support for those in need."
