Mother Speaks Out After Daughter’s Murder in Chicago

The mother of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman, a college student who was tragically killed earlier this month in Chicago, is determined to seek justice. Jessica Gorman expressed her grief and anger during a vigil held in Yorktown Heights, New York, for her daughter, a freshman at Loyola University Chicago, who lost her life in what officials are describing as a sudden attack.

“I want to put it mildly, but honestly, as a mother, I’m angry,” Jessica Gorman shared. “I’m completely heartbroken, yet we will fight for justice and change in honor of sweet Sheridan.”

While acknowledging varying perspectives on the situation, Jessica emphasized a shared desire among parents everywhere for the safety of their children. “At the heart of all this, we want the same thing: for our kids to be safe, protected, and to come home,” she stated.

Sheridan, who was originally from New York, was killed along with friends near a pier in Rogers Park, Chicago, early in the morning on March 19. Authorities have identified Jose Medina Medina, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, as the suspect in her murder.

Medina-Medina reportedly had only months left to complete his freshman year at Loyola University Chicago before his life was cut short.

Interestingly, Medina-Medina had been previously apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023, and was released back into the country under the current administration.

During the vigil, the family’s attorney, Thomas Tripodianos, spoke out against a growing sense of complacency regarding public safety. “If you accept this, even in silence, you’re saying that young people aren’t as safe as they should be, and that’s just unacceptable,” he said, insisting on the need for true justice.

Friends and family shared heartfelt memories of Sheridan, reflecting on her impact on those around her. Stephen Betancourt, director of campus ministry at Loyola, remarked, “Sheridan, you are deeply loved at Loyola University. You will be missed but live on in the lives you touched.”

The Gorman family has been vocal in their criticism of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, asserting that their daughter’s death “demands accountability.” They highlighted that she was simply walking near campus with friends when her life was violently taken.

As of now, the suspect is being held in custody after appearing in court on Friday. He faces several serious charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and illegal possession of a firearm.