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Biometric Tech Helps Solve Chicago Pier Murder
Controversial police software identified suspect, but new bill threatens its use
Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:27am
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As tensions over autonomous vehicles escalate, a recent wave of targeted street vandalism exposes pent-up frustration with driverless technology.Chicago TodayA 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela has been arrested and charged with the murder of an 18-year-old Loyola University student on a Chicago pier. Authorities say facial recognition technology was key in quickly identifying and apprehending the suspect, but a new state bill aims to ban such biometric surveillance tools.
Why it matters
The swift apprehension of the alleged shooter was credited to the immediate police response and the use of biometric software, which law enforcement advocates say is a critical tool for solving crimes. However, the Illinois ACLU is supporting a bill that would prohibit all government agencies in the state from using biometric identification systems, arguing the technology threatens privacy rights and community well-being.
The details
In the incident, a man wearing all black and a mask approached a group of young adults on a pier at Rogers Park in Chicago and opened fire, killing 18-year-old Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman. Police were able to quickly identify and arrest 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, in part by using facial recognition software to match surveillance footage to his image in various government databases.
- The shooting occurred last week on the Chicago pier.
- Medina-Medina was arrested and charged with murder shortly after the incident.
The players
Jose Medina-Medina
A 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela who was arrested and charged with the murder of Sheridan Gorman.
Sheridan Gorman
An 18-year-old Loyola University student who was killed in the shooting on the Chicago pier.
Eugene Roy
A retired Chief of Detectives Captain who believes banning biometric software would be detrimental to law enforcement and lead to more dangerous crimes.
Illinois ACLU
The organization supporting a bill, HB 5521, that would prohibit all government agencies in Illinois from using biometric identification systems.
What’s next
The Illinois state legislature is currently considering HB 5521, which would ban the use of biometric identification systems by all government agencies in the state. Law enforcement advocates are urging residents to contact their representatives to voice opposition to the bill.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate over the use of controversial police technologies like facial recognition software. While law enforcement credits the technology with helping quickly solve a violent crime, civil liberties groups argue it threatens privacy and community well-being, setting up a clash between public safety and civil rights.
