An undocumented Venezuelan migrant has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman, who was killed while walking with friends near the school's Chicago campus.
Background
According to NBC 5 Chicago, authorities charged 25-year-old Jose G. Medina with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault discharge of a firearm (three counts), and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Police said a masked man, later identified as Medina, began shooting at the Tobey Prinz Beach pier just after 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning.
Investigators said Medina allegedly approached the group on foot, removed a gun, and opened fire, striking 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman. The Loyola sophomore was not an intended target, and police labeled the shooting as random. She died at the scene.
Following the shooting, security footage captured Medina walking with a distinctive limp and gait to a Rogers Park apartment. Police located him and recovered a firearm before taking him into custody.
The US Department of Homeland Security stated Sunday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an arrest detainer against Medina, who entered the country illegally. A judge ordered Medina to remain in custody.
Records show that in May 2023, US Border Patrol apprehended Medina but released him under the Biden administration policies. A few months later, he was released again following a shoplifting arrest in Chicago.
The Investigation
Chicago police investigators gathered evidence from the crime scene and reviewed surveillance footage that helped identify Medina. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved multiple charges against the suspect.
The family of Sheridan Gorman issued a statement expressing grief and criticism of immigration policies. 'We are gravely disappointed by the policies and failures that allowed this individual to remain in a position to commit this crime,' the family said. 'When systems fail—whether through release decisions, lack of coordination, or unwillingness to act—the consequences are not abstract. They are real. And in our case, they are permanent.'
Medina was scheduled to appear in court Monday at the Cook County Courthouse but did not attend due to hospitalization for tuberculosis. He is expected in court Friday.
Key Takeaways
- Sheridan Gorman, 18, was a Loyola University sophomore shot and killed while walking with friends near the Tobey Prinz Beach pier
- Jose G. Medina, 25, an undocumented Venezuelan migrant, has been charged with murder and related offenses
- Police called the shooting random, stating Gorman was not the intended target
- Medina had been previously apprehended by Border Patrol in May 2023 and released, then arrested for shoplifting and released again
- ICE lodged an arrest detainer against Medina following the shooting
- Medina remained hospitalized for tuberculosis and is expected back in court Friday
What's Next
Medina is scheduled to appear in Cook County Court on Friday. Investigators anticipate additional forensic analysis of the firearm recovered during his arrest. The family has indicated they may pursue further legal action related to the policies that allowed Medina's release from custody.
CrimeOnline will continue following this case and provide updates as they become available.