Chicago police arrested 25-year-old Jose Medina a day after Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University Chicago freshman, was shot and killed near campus on March 19. Authorities say the suspect approached a group of students, fired toward them and struck Gorman in the head, killing her at the scene. Medina faces first-degree murder and attempted murder charges, and federal officials have flagged his immigration status while the investigation continues. Gorman’s family has launched a memorial scholarship fund and urged that her death not be forgotten.
Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting of Loyola Freshman Sheridan Gorman; Family Launches Memorial Scholarship
Sheridan Gorman (left); and Jose Medina.Credit: GoFundMe; dhs.gov
Authorities in Illinois arrested 25-year-old Jose Medina on the day following the March 19 shooting that killed college freshman Sheridan Gorman near Loyola University Chicago.
Chicago police say Gorman was walking with friends near the university when an unknown man approached the group, displayed a firearm and opened fire. According to investigators, the suspect struck Gorman in the head; she was pronounced dead at the scene. News reports and an online memorial later identified the victim.
Investigation and Charges
Medina was taken into custody by Chicago police the day after the shooting and has been charged with one count each of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder, authorities told reporters. Federal officials from the Department of Homeland Security have said Medina is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela and asked Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker that he not be released while federal immigration concerns are addressed. Medina was scheduled to appear in court on Monday; it was not immediately clear whether he had retained legal counsel.
Sheridan Gorman.Credit: GoFundMe
Family Response and Memorial
“What Sheridan was doing that night—walking with friends near her campus—was normal. It was safe. It is what students do every day,” the family said. “This cannot be just another case that fades from public attention. Sheridan's life mattered. What happened to her matters. And we will make sure she is not forgotten.”
Friends and family remember Gorman as warm and generous. An online memorial includes notes about how she supported classmates from a young age and encouraged others to speak up. Her family has launched a GoFundMe to establish the Sheridan Gorman Memorial & Scholarship Fund to honor her commitment to helping others.
Ongoing Coverage
Police have described the attack as random, a characterization some media outlets reported, but Gorman’s family has urged authorities and the public not to let her killing be treated as merely another statistic. Investigators continue to review evidence and interview witnesses as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department.
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