On Thursday, federal prosecutors leveled new charges against an undocumented immigrant, Jose Medina-Medina, linked to the murder of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old student from Loyola University Chicago. A local criminal defense attorney suggested that the federal authorities are stepping in due to distrust in the state’s judicial process.
Donna Rotunno, the attorney, pointed out that historically, blue cities tend to have, well, lighter consequences for such cases. She mentioned that Medina-Medina’s diminished competency might be a topic of defense. It seems likely that federal officials wanted to maintain control over how the case unfolds.
Medina-Medina, 25, was taken into custody early on March 19, suspected of killing Gorman. Originally from Venezuela, he entered the U.S. in 2023 but was released under the Biden administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
On Thursday, he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, a charge that could result in a decade in federal prison. Allegedly, the gun used in Gorman’s death was purchased illegally back in 2008.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney John Boutros emphasized the brutal nature of the crime and indicated that the office would not consider releasing an “illegal alien perpetrator” into the community.
Besides the federal charges, Medina-Medina is also facing multiple state charges that include murder and attempted murder.
During the hearing, prosecutors described the events leading up to Gorman’s death, explaining that she was at the Rogers Park pier with friends when she spotted Medina-Medina. She reportedly alerted her friends but was shot in the back while trying to escape.
Medina-Medina’s background adds a layer of complexity. His lawyer revealed that he lost part of his skull in a shooting in Colombia, which has affected his cognitive abilities significantly. Further complicating matters, he also has epilepsy and remains under treatment for tuberculosis—a condition he contracted while at a migrant shelter.
Family and friends of Gorman attended the hearing via Zoom, where it was decided that Medina-Medina would remain in custody as the case progresses.
As Gorman’s family noted, while they heard calls for sympathy for Medina-Medina, it’s essential to remember that Sheridan had her own life and stories, which were abruptly cut short.
Medina-Medina had been previously arrested for shoplifting but failed to appear for court dates related to that case, allowing an arrest warrant to remain active until the murder charge was filed.
