In the quiet suburb of Highland Park, Chicago, the echoes of a tragic Independence Day shooting two years ago still reverberate.
Keely Roberts, a mother of twin boys, is one of the many victims who continue to grapple with the aftermath of the incident that left her injured and one of her sons, Cooper, paralyzed from the waist down.
According to ABC News, Roberts poignantly marked the second anniversary of the shooting, stating, It is the 730th anniversary of the total annihilation of our lives. The shooting, which claimed seven lives and wounded dozens, including Roberts and two of her children, has left an indelible mark on the community. The victims, still reeling from the trauma, are struggling to make sense of the horrific event.
The second anniversary of the shooting coincided with a court hearing that was expected to bring some closure to the victims. The suspected shooter, Robert E. Crimo III, was anticipated to change his plea to guilty, allowing the victims and their families to address him directly. However, in a shocking turn of events, Crimo reneged on the plea deal, causing further distress to the victims. His trial is now slated for next year.
Roberts, expressing her anguish over the unexpected twist in the court proceedings, said, Theres not really going to be closure on this for us. The wound is too big; its too deep. She added, Theres just nothing healing or restorative or comforting about justice delayed, especially justice delayed in a way that feels cruel.
The emotional toll of the court hearing was further exacerbated when Crimo, who requested a wheelchair due to nervousness, entered the courtroom. Roberts, whose son Cooper is now a paraplegic due to the shooting, remarked bitterly, Cooper never gets to decide if he wants to use a wheelchair or not.
The Roberts family continues to bear the physical and emotional scars of the shooting. Keely Roberts, who was shot in the leg, still experiences pain, a constant reminder of the tragedy. The family has been making modifications to their home to accommodate Cooper's needs. Despite the challenges, Cooper has shown remarkable resilience, engaging in adaptive sports such as sled hockey and wheelchair basketball.
In an attempt to reclaim some semblance of normalcy, Highland Park officials have announced the return of the Fourth of July parade this year. Mayor Nancy Rotering, in a statement, said, As we continue our journey as one Highland Park, we do so with respect, compassion, and support for all whose lives were forever changed on July 4, 2022, while maintaining the community spirit that has always been a hallmark of Highland Parks Independence Day events.
However, for the Roberts family, the parade is a painful reminder of the tragedy. Keely Roberts has decided to take her six children out of town to a lake in Wisconsin, seeking solace away from the parade. She expressed uncertainty about their future participation in the event, saying, I dont know if well ever be able to attend the parade again. As the community attempts to heal and move forward, the Roberts family's struggle underscores the lasting impact of the tragic event.
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