Into the Madness

A Killer’s Game, a Woman’s Obsession, a Dark Conspiracy

By: Trevor Aaronson

Narrated by: Trevor Aaronson

On July 4, 2022, a shooter climbed onto a rooftop in Highland Park, Illinois, and opened fire on a Fourth of July parade below, killing seven people and wounding dozens more. Prosecutors charged Robert “Bobby” Crimo III with the mass shooting. But this attack was part of something even more insidious. Bobby had created an elaborate game—complete with cryptic videos, a book of numbers, and an eerie online presence—designed to seed a conspiracy theory about the massacre.

Into the Madness is a deep dive into the events leading up to the mass shooting and the story of a woman who became a confidant to Crimo and the final player in his game. Drawing from dozens of interviews and more than 48 hours of recorded calls with Bobby, investigative journalist Trevor Aaronson tells a story that will challenge everything you think you know about mass shootings, conspiracy theories, and the fragile boundary between reality and illusion.

The series explores the rise of nihilistic violence, the role of technology in fostering extremism, and America’s collective descent into conspiracy thinking. Into the Madness will leave you questioning where the truth ends—and the madness begins.

Into the Madness is an Audible Original, produced by Trevor Aaronson and Western Sound.

Warning: This program contains graphic descriptions of violence and death, as well as recordings of a man accused of committing mass murder. Listener discretion is advised.

©2025 Trevor Aaronson (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.

Interesting story and perspectives.

This was a really crazy but familiar story…one that has been told before. But the author digs deep into the paradox this story presents, and holds a mirror that shows how it reflects society in the current moment. I highly recommend this read. Very illuminating and insightful self reflection for both the author and the reading audience.

Facinating

Everything about this story is so interesting. Very well written!!! Off to look up the case.

to much of his political views

interjection of his political views unnecessary to tell the story, otherwise decent . didn't finish book

Well written but indulgent

Maybe I missed it because I couldn’t get through it all because this story seems like exactly what mass murderers want. Special attention for some perceived deeply tragic and unacknowledged pain they think they feel more than the average person. Seven people were slaughtered and Jamie’s pursuit to “understand” the perp reeks of fangirl with self esteem issues, all at the expense of her obsession’s victims. Aaronson writes well but would do better by an investment in the stories of those who were slayed.

Great Book. Delusion Personified

Great story. Genuinely felt sorry for this girl. Until I realized she’s a grown woman living in a fictional reality. Sad truths about the state of society. “None of this is real.”

Fascinating listen

The story is a fresh take on investigative journalism. The research and diligence that went into the book makes it credible. Highly recommend

interesting!

Made me think! Also showed worlds I am not exposed to, but are going on everyday, everywhere in "plain" sight.

The needless slurs about President Trump and conservatives

I did not like his negative attitude toward our president Trump
and negativism towards conservative

Read if for no other reason than to witness the audacity.

First, I don’t get all of the negative feedback based on political opinions. The author didn’t really even say anything about Trump or conservatives. He was just mentioned because it was relevant to the story. The author stated views of the book’s main subject but didn’t really say one way or another about his own political views. I guess since he wasn’t praising Trump, some automatically assume he’s being negative. That’s insane.

As for the story itself, I felt the explanation of SoundCloud was flawed. This is why diversity is so important. Almost any black person under 40 could have given a bit more insight, however, it appears that the author is white so naturally the story would be viewed through a white lens.

There were a few instances for which the writing felt lazy, but other than that, I appreciated the fact that the author didn’t put too much of his own views in the piece, especially in the beginning. I felt based on the info given that Bobby was full of it and that Jamie is, (1) misdiagnosed in regard to the personality disorder she mentioned, and (2) she needs serious mental assistance immediately. I fear she will do something similar as an ode to Bobby or a declaration of her undying love and support. Not just that, but I couldn’t help but think of her children. Her adult children are probably embarrassed by her behavior! I wonder if she’d ever given her own children that much support. Something tells me it is unlikely.

Everyone is unlikable and needs help, including both of his parents. The mom, don’t get me started.

Left with a depressing reality

The ending almost justifies this creepy story. Why wasn’t this man identified as mentally ill sooner? We keep seeing one tragedy after another and can’t find a cure because too many people are living in a toxic reality fueled by war games, violent movies and social media.