Venezuelan Immigrant Charged for Killing Chicago Student

Authorities say Jose Medina-Medina was released by immigration officials before allegedly murdering Sheridan Gorman

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:11am

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A 23-year-old Venezuelan national named Jose Medina-Medina has been charged with the murder of an 18-year-old college student, Sheridan Gorman, in a Chicago park. Authorities say Medina-Medina was previously caught and released at the border by immigration officials in 2023 before later being arrested for shoplifting and released again by the city of Chicago, which has sanctuary city policies.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around immigration enforcement, sanctuary city policies, and the release of undocumented immigrants who later commit violent crimes. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of policies intended to protect public safety.

The details

According to officials, Medina-Medina confronted Gorman in a Chicago park and shot her as she was attempting to flee. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Medina-Medina was caught and released at the border in May 2023, and was later arrested for shoplifting in June 2023 before being released again by the city of Chicago, which has sanctuary city policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

  • Medina-Medina was caught and released at the border in May 2023.
  • Medina-Medina was arrested for shoplifting in June 2023 and released by the city of Chicago.

The players

Jose Medina-Medina

A 23-year-old Venezuelan national accused of murdering an 18-year-old college student in Chicago.

Sheridan Gorman

An 18-year-old college student from Westchester County who was allegedly murdered by Medina-Medina in a Chicago park.

Chicago

A sanctuary city that has policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, which allowed Medina-Medina to be released after previous arrests.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jose Medina-Medina out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing debates around immigration enforcement, sanctuary city policies, and the release of undocumented immigrants who later commit violent crimes. It raises questions about the effectiveness of policies intended to protect public safety.