Illegal Immigrant Charged in Loyola Freshman's Murder After Prior Arrests

Jose Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, was charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the shooting death of Sheridan Gorman.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:03am

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Jose Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, was formally charged by the Chicago Police Department with murder in the shooting death of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University Chicago freshman who was shot in the head on the Chicago lakefront. Medina-Medina had previously been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in May 2023 and released, and was later arrested in Chicago for shoplifting in June 2023 before being released again. He is now facing six felony charges, including first-degree murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the release of illegal immigrants with criminal histories and the impact of sanctuary city policies that can allow them to remain in the country. Gorman's death raises questions about the effectiveness of the immigration system and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Medina-Medina was first apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023, and released into the country during the Biden administration. Six weeks later, on June 19, 2023, he was arrested in Chicago for shoplifting and released again. Medina-Medina is now being charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault involving the discharge of a firearm, and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

  • On May 9, 2023, Medina-Medina was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol and released into the country.
  • On June 19, 2023, Medina-Medina was arrested in Chicago for shoplifting and released again.

The players

Jose Medina-Medina

A 25-year-old Venezuelan national who has been charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the shooting death of Sheridan Gorman.

Sheridan Gorman

A freshman at Loyola University Chicago who was shot and killed on the Chicago lakefront.

U.S. Border Patrol

The agency that apprehended Medina-Medina in May 2023 and released him into the country.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The agency that has lodged an arrest detainer against Medina-Medina and is calling on Illinois officials not to release him.

Alejandro Mayorkas

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary who testified that the border was secure just weeks before Medina-Medina was apprehended and released.

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What they’re saying

“Sheridan Gorman had her whole life ahead of her before this cold-blooded killer decided to end her life.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

“We are calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago's sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail back into American neighborhoods.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

“Three days ago, our lives were shattered in a way no family should ever have to endure.”

— Sheridan Gorman's Family

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the consequences of sanctuary city policies and the release of illegal immigrants with criminal histories, raising questions about the effectiveness of the immigration system and the need for greater cooperation between federal and local law enforcement to protect public safety.