Robert Cremer III, the suspected Independence Day shooter in Highland Park, Illinois, was charged July 5 with seven counts of first-degree murder, a U.S. prosecutor said. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

A gunman fired more than 70 rounds from a rooftop during an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, killing 7 people and wounding at least 36. Police arrested the only suspect, Cremo III, late on April 4.

Cremo III is a thin white man with multiple tattoos on his face and neck, including above his left eyebrow. He fled the scene dressed as a woman and covered up the tattoo, but was eventually caught by police.

Us media initially reported that Cremo III was 22, but later revised it to 21. A police investigation revealed that Cremo III had legally acquired five guns in recent years, including the “high-powered rifle” used in the attack.

Cremo III faces life in prison without parole if convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder, District Attorney Eric Reinhart said Monday. Ms. Rinehart said dozens of additional charges against Mr. Cremo would follow.

Police say Crimo III had been preparing the attack for weeks, but have not confirmed a motive.

Cremo III came to the attention of police twice in 2019. The first, a suspected suicide, brought police to the door. The second time, he threatened to “kill everyone” to his family, who called the police, who came and confiscated his 16 daggers, swords and knives. Police said there was no indication he had a gun.

Cremo III applied for a gun permit in December 2019 and it was approved. The police statement explained that at the time there was insufficient evidence that he posed a “clear and immediate threat” and that a permit was granted.

Crimo III’s father, Bob, a deli owner, ran unsuccessfully for highland Park mayor in 2019 against Nancy Rottling, the incumbent. “We need to reflect, ‘What the hell happened? ‘”

Relatives and friends described Him as “withdrawn and quiet” as a boy scout who later showed signs of violence, feeling neglected and angry. “I hate that other people get more attention on the Internet than I do,” Cremo III said in a video uploaded to the Internet.

A police investigation showed that Kermo iii searched the Internet for information on massacres and downloaded violent images such as beheadings.