Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola University student, was fatally shot on March 19 in Chicago near Lake Michigan. A masked gunman struck her in the back and she died at the scene.
Jose Medina, a Venezuelan national accused of first-degree murder, returned to court just one day after what would have been Gorman’s 19th birthday. He was arrested two days following the shooting.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Medina appeared in court using a cane due to a recent seizure. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Gorman was “failed by sanctuary politicians,” citing Medina’s two prior releases before allegedly killing her.
The DHS wrote: “Sheridan Gorman had her whole life ahead of her before she was brutally murdered by a cold-blooded illegal alien killer. She was FAILED by sanctuary politicians who released her murderer TWO TIMES before he committed this heinous murder. We are committed to delivering justice for Sheridan’s family as we fight to remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities.”
On Monday, the day that would have been Gorman’s 19th birthday, her parents Jessica and Thomas appeared on Fox News to share a message: “Please help us honor Sheridan and all the other angels killed by illegal immigrants by living boldly, by speaking truthfully and loving extravagantly, and choosing American lives today and always.”
Medina had previously been charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a non-lawful resident on April 2. On May 28, Cook County Jail staff discovered a six-inch homemade knife in his pants during a routine search.
On March 22, Medina was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in connection with Gorman’s death.
The DHS reported that Medina had been released twice under the Biden administration, including after a shoplifting incident in Chicago. Gorman’s family attended last month’s court hearing but did not appear at Tuesday’s proceedings. Medina’s next court date is scheduled for July 27.
