The uncle of the Highland Park, Illinois, shooting suspect Robert Crimo III describes him as a "lonely" and "quiet person."
Paul A. Crimo told CNN: "I'm heartbroken. I'm so heartbroken. There were no signs that I saw that would make him do this."
He maintained he has never seen the suspect exhibit any signs of violence and does not know any political views held by his nephew.
Paul Crimo's brother is the mass shooting suspect's father.
Robert Crimo III was taken into custody after police say at least six people were shot and killed and at least 30 were injured during the mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade.
"He's a quiet kid," Paul Crimo said of the suspect. "He's usually on his own. He's a lonely, quiet person. He keeps everything to himself."
Paul Crimo said the suspect lives in an apartment behind the house owned by the 22-year-old's father. Paul Crimo says he lives in the house.
"I associate with him, but I don't really like to engage with him," he said. "I say, 'hi' and then when I leave I say, 'bye'. That's it."
Paul Crimo said he last saw the suspect Sunday night looking at a computer.
"Everything was normal," he said. "We are good people here, and to have this is devastating. I'm so heartbroken for all the families who lost their lives."
In an interview with Fox32 in Chicago, Paul Crimo added: "I just want to say I'm deeply, deeply sorry for everyone who lost their lives and got injured. I'm heartbroken, and my heart is shattered. I can't even believe it. I just want to express my condolences.
"There were no warning signs. I saw him yesterday evening. I see nothing that would trigger him doing this. There were no signs of trouble. If I did see signs, I would have said something."
Paul Crimo said his nephew spends time rapping on YouTube.
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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