A 25-year-old Venezuelan migrant is in custody following the execution-style killing of an 18-year-old college student near Loyola University Chicago's campus, according to reports from multiple outlets. Sheridan Gorman, a freshman at Loyola, was walking with friends along Lake Michigan around 1:30am on Thursday when a man clad in black emerged from bushes and shot her in the head.
Key Takeaways
An 18-year-old Loyola University student named Sheridan Gorman was killed in a late-night shooting near campus in Chicago. A Venezuelan migrant with a distinct limp is being held in custody as the prime suspect.
- Venezuelan migrant arrested after fatal shooting of Sheridan Gorman
- Suspect identified due to his 'distinct limp' and prior shoplifting charge
- Family demands justice, calling her death senseless murder
- Community mourns with vigils and memorials
According to Fox News, sources within the Chicago Police Department confirmed that the suspect is being questioned over Gorman's shooting. The man, who has not been formally charged, was identified by police due to his 'distinct limp' and a prior misdemeanor charge for shoplifting from a Macy's store in June 2023, as reported by Daily Mail. The incident occurred near the pier at Tobey Prinz Beach, less than a mile from Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.
The Gorman family expressed their devastation in a statement obtained by CBS News, describing Sheridan as 'the light of our lives' and demanding answers for her senseless death. The family traveled to Chicago to collect her body, emphasizing that they will not stop until the person responsible is brought to justice. A vigil was held at Madonna della Strada Chapel on Loyola's campus, with community members paying their respects.
Chicago police have indicated that Gorman likely was not the intended target of the shooting, suggesting it may have been a random act of violence. This incident echoes other recent cases, such as the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed in Athens, Georgia, by a Venezuelan migrant who entered the US illegally. The case has drawn national attention and sparked political debate over immigration enforcement.
The Yorktown Central School District Superintendent Dr. Ron Hattar sent a letter to the school community expressing shock and sorrow over Gorman's death. He described her as a beloved graduate of Yorktown High School, known for her kindness and involvement in sports. The district is offering support services to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, Chicago police are working closely with Loyola University to ensure campus safety. Extra patrols have been deployed across the area, and counseling services are available to students. The community has come together in mourning, organizing vigils and memorials to honor Gorman's memory.
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