Crimo responded, Yes, to both questions, and also said he understood the charges against him.

(Last week, prosecutors dropped 48 lesser charges of aggravated battery.)

In 2023, he fired his public defenders, said he would represent himself, then changed his mind.

FILE - Robert Crimo III is escorted from the court room at a break in juror selection at the Lake County Courthouse Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Waukegan, Ill. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald via AP, Pool, File)

Robert Crimo III leaving the Lake County Courthouse at a hearing last week, Feb. 25, 2025.Brian Hill/Daily Herald/AP Photo