Michael Goodman was sentenced to 40 years in prison for killing 9-year-old Serabi Medina in Chicago in August 2023, after she returned from an ice cream truck outside her family’s apartment building.
Serabi had been standing outside the building in the 3500 block of North Long Avenue while her father spoke with friends. One of them gave her money for ice cream, and she came back with treats for herself and her father.
Minutes later, a gunshot sounded nearby. Prosecutors said Serabi’s father urged her to take her scooter inside. As she reached the building’s entrance, Goodman emerged from an apartment building across the street, approached her and shot her in the head. Her father ran toward Goodman and tackled him in the vestibule. During the struggle, the gun fired and Goodman was struck in the eye.
Serabi’s father and three friends identified Goodman as the shooter. Investigators found shell casings at the scene and, in Goodman’s apartment, a bullet lodged in a wall, another casing and ammunition matching the casings recovered outside. Police also found evidence connecting him to the gun used in the shooting.
Goodman had no prior criminal record. His attorney said he had mental health disorders and was under the influence of ketamine when the shooting occurred.
Goodman pleaded guilty to one count of murder. Judge Tyria Walton sentenced him to 40 years in prison, which he must serve in full. He will receive credit for the three years he has spent in Cook County Jail. Jail records list him as 46 years old.
Outside the courtroom, Serabi’s cousin said seeking justice had helped the family carry on. Now, the cousin said, they had to grieve her.
