Father charged with helping suspect in July 4 shooting obtain gun license asks judge to toss case

By MICHAEL TARM
AP Legal Affairs Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — An Illinois judge has heard arguments on a father’s request to dismiss charges accusing him of committing a crime by helping his son obtain a gun license three years before the son fatally shot seven people at a 2022 Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago. The Lake County judge says Monday he’ll issue a ruling Aug. 28. The hearing in Robert Crimo Jr.’s case was held in Waukegan, north of Highland Park where the shooting occurred. A defense lawyer told the court his client was charged under an unconstitutionally vague law. He says his client’s “innocent conduct” involved signing “a wholly truthful” affidavit that helped his son apply obtain a gun license.