Tragic Killing of Loyola University Student
A Venezuelan immigrant, who reportedly entered the U.S. during the Biden administration, was charged Thursday with the murder of a Loyola University Chicago freshman from New York. The incident occurred while 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman was taking a walk along a lake in Chicago.
Jose Medina, 25, has been accused of shooting Gorman as she strolled along the pier at Toby Prinz Beach early Thursday morning.
He faces serious charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and three counts of aggravated assault involving a firearm. Additionally, he’s charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon, as reported by the Chicago Police Department.
Since Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011, the most severe punishment Medina could face is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Authorities shared that Medina approached Gorman and others while wearing a mask around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Allegedly, he shot her in the head as she attempted to escape, then went into hiding in a nearby apartment.
Medina had previously been detained at the border in May 2023 but was allowed entry into the United States. A release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated he had also been arrested and released earlier that year for shoplifting at a Macy’s in Chicago.
Lauren Biss, Acting Assistant Secretary of DHS, criticized the city’s sanctuary law, which allowed Medina’s release after previous arrests. She stated, “This was botched by open borders and sanctuary politicians who released this illegal alien twice before committing this heinous murder.”
Biss also urged Governor Pritzker and other local leaders to prevent the return of criminal illegal immigrants to the community.
The motivation behind the attack remains unclear.
One of Gorman’s friends expressed that the shooting did not seem to be directed at them. They described it as a case of being in the “wrong place at the wrong time,” noting that the incident only involved a single shot.
In a touching online tribute, Gorman’s family described her as a “proud Yorktown girl,” emphasizing her ability to uplift others. They praised her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit, calling her deeply loving and funny.
A private service for Gorman is set for Saturday in Yorktown, alongside a community vigil for those who knew her.
