Jose Medina, a Venezuelan national charged with the murder of 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman, had his court hearing postponed due to hospitalization, Chicago authorities confirmed. Medina was expected in court Monday but remains quarantined on suspicion of a contagious disease, possibly tuberculosis.
Details of the Shooting and Arrest
Gorman was fatally shot in an apparent ambush on March 19, 2026, near Tobey Prinz Beach Park, less than a mile from Loyola’s campus. She was with friends when Medina allegedly shot her as she tried to flee. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Medina was arrested the following day in the Rogers Park neighborhood near the shooting location.
Chicago Police have charged Medina with first-degree murder, attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer following the arrest.
Immigration and Criminal History
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Medina entered the U.S. legally under the Biden administration after being apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023. He had a prior shoplifting arrest in Chicago in 2023 but was released.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis criticized state and local officials, urging them not to release Medina back into the community. Gorman’s family also released a statement blaming systemic immigration failures for enabling the suspect to remain free prior to the shooting.
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