Keely Roberts : “July Fourth Parade Shooting Leaves Boy Paralyzed, Mom Speaks Out”

By | July 5, 2024

July Fourth parade shooting paralyzed boy
Boy paralyzed July Fourth parade shooting.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Highland Park Mother Reflects on 2-Year Anniversary of Tragic Shooting**

Keely Roberts, a mother from Highland Park, Illinois, is still grappling with the aftermath of a deadly shooting that took place at an Independence Day parade in 2022. It has been exactly 730 days since the tragic incident that left one of her twin boys, Cooper, paralyzed from the waist down. The physical and emotional wounds from that day still haunt her and her family as they try to navigate through the pain and trauma.

The shooting, which claimed the lives of seven individuals and injured dozens more, has left a lasting impact on the community of Highland Park. As the city plans to hold its first parade since the tragedy, Roberts and other victims are struggling to come to terms with what happened. For Roberts, the pain is especially raw as she watches her son Cooper, now 10 years old, struggle to live a normal life after being left paraplegic.

The recent court hearing involving the suspected shooter, Robert E. Crimo III, only added to the anguish for the victims and their families. Crimo was expected to change his plea to guilty but reversed his decision during the proceedings. This unexpected turn of events has left many feeling more wounded and without closure. Roberts, who had hoped to address Crimo directly in court, was left holding back tears as she witnessed the unfolding events.

Cooper, who was shot in the back, severing his spinal cord, has shown remarkable resilience in the face of his disability. Despite the challenges he faces, he has embraced adaptive sports like sled hockey and wheelchair basketball. The family has also been making renovations to their home to accommodate Cooper’s needs and make his daily life more manageable.

As Highland Park prepares to hold its Fourth of July parade once again, Roberts has decided that her family will not attend. Instead, they plan to spend time away from the city, relaxing on a lake in Wisconsin. The memories of that fateful day in 2022 continue to linger for Roberts and her family, making it difficult for them to return to events that were once a source of joy and celebration.

Mayor Nancy Rotering of Highland Park has expressed the importance of maintaining traditions and community spirit in the face of tragedy. While the city plans to honour the victims with a remembrance ceremony, Roberts and her family are choosing to focus on healing in their own way, away from the reminders of that horrific day. The journey towards healing may be long and difficult, but Roberts remains hopeful that one day, the wounds will begin to heal, and they can find peace once again..

July Fourth parade shooting paralyzed boy

Boy paralyzed July Fourth parade shooting.

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