Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old student at Loyola University Chicago, was shot and killed early on March 19 near Tobey Prinz Beach Park in Rogers Park. The suspect, José Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated use of a firearm.
Key Takeaways
Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student, was shot and killed on March 19 by José Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela. The shooting occurred around 1:06 a.m. near Tobey Prinz Beach Park in Rogers Park as Gorman walked with friends to see the Northern Lights.
- Sheridan Gorman was shot in the upper back while fleeing from Medina-Medina
- Medina-Medina entered the U.S. illegally on May 9, 2023, and was released into the country under the Biden administration
- The Gorman family expressed their heartbreak and vowed to seek justice, criticizing political leaders who labeled the tragedy as 'senseless'
- Medina-Medina's court hearing was postponed due to hospitalization for a suspected contagious disease, possibly tuberculosis
- President Donald Trump spoke with the Gorman family, though details about the conversation were not immediately shared
The shooting occurred around 1:06 a.m. as Gorman walked with friends to see the Northern Lights near the lakefront pier. According to prosecutors, Medina-Medina hid behind a lighthouse before running toward the group and firing his weapon. Sheridan was shot in the upper back while fleeing from him.
Medina-Medina entered the U.S. illegally on May 9, 2023, and was apprehended then released into the country under the Biden administration according to DHS. He had been previously arrested for shoplifting in Chicago on June 19, 2023.
The Gorman family expressed their heartbreak and vowed to seek justice, criticizing political leaders who labeled the tragedy as 'senseless.' The family demanded accountability and rejected general terms about public safety. According to Fox News, homes in Sheridan's hometown of Yorktown Heights, New York were lit up in green on Tuesday night in honor of her.
Medina-Medina's court hearing was postponed due to hospitalization for a suspected contagious disease, possibly tuberculosis. Chicago Alderwoman Maria Hadden faced criticism for suggesting Gorman was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' and may have 'startled' her killer. According to Fox News, Hadden apologized for her comments.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker acknowledged real failures but shifted blame to the Trump administration's lack of comprehensive immigration reform. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also criticized Trump, attributing public safety threats to illegal weapons trafficked from bordering states. The White House defended President Trump's immigration policies, stating they have kept Americans safe.
According to Fox News, CNN and MSNBC have ignored coverage of the story through Tuesday morning. The Loyola Phoenix issued an editor’s note apologizing for describing Medina-Medina as an 'illegal immigrant,' stating that the term did not align with Associated Press style or their values.
A White House official confirmed to Fox News on Monday that President Donald Trump spoke with Gorman’s family, though did not immediately share details about the conversation. Gorman was reportedly only a few months away from completing her freshman year. Her mother, Jessica Gorman, delivered emotional remarks Saturday at a vigil in Yorktown Heights, vowing a 'fight for justice.'
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