Alleged Murder of Loyola University Student
An undocumented immigrant is set to appear in court for the first time following his apprehension for the murder of a Loyola University Chicago student. This court appearance comes after a delay due to the suspect receiving treatment for tuberculosis.
Authorities report that 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina is accused of killing Sheridan Gorman early on March 19 while she was socializing with friends at the pier. Medina-Medina allegedly entered the U.S. illegally on May 9, 2023, and was arrested and subsequently released under the Biden administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The hearing for Medina-Medina was originally scheduled for Monday, but it was postponed as he was being treated. It has now been rescheduled for Friday at 11:30 a.m. local time, where prosecutors are anticipated to share more details about the case. He faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and illegal possession of a firearm.
A spokesperson from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Medina-Medina is currently in the jail’s medical unit and had recently spent time at a local hospital before being returned to custody.
Legal expert Donna Rotunno mentioned that the hearing’s delay was likely initiated by medical staff and that Medina-Medina might participate via a virtual session due to health concerns.
Gorman, hailing from Yorktown Heights, New York, was remembered in her obituary as someone who had a unique ability to make others feel appreciated and valued.
The family of Gorman expressed that the incident would not alter their impression of Loyola University Chicago, where she was a freshman. They stated, “This tragedy does not change our view of Loyola. Sheridan chose this place because it felt like home.” They emphasized that the university’s community should not be held responsible for the criminal actions that took her life.
Authorities previously indicated that the incident seemed to be an ambush, noting that Medina-Medina was seen on security footage at his apartment building after the shooting, visibly identifiable despite any disguise.
Additionally, it was revealed that Medina-Medina had a history of legal issues, including a shoplifting charge from earlier in the year, which had lingered unresolved until the murder charge was filed.
