Man Charged in Loyola Student's Murder Must Submit DNA Sample

Jose Medina faces multiple charges for the shooting death of Sheridan Gorman in Rogers Park.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on a dark background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence from a tragic shooting incident.A stark, gritty image of physical evidence from the shooting that claimed the life of a Loyola University student, exposing the harsh realities of gun violence in Chicago.Chicago Today

Jose Medina, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, and a federal gun possession charge for the shooting death of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman in Rogers Park last month. Medina appeared in court on Wednesday, where a judge ordered him to provide a DNA sample and fingerprints to the Illinois State Police.

Why it matters

The murder of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola student, has shaken the Rogers Park community and raised concerns about gun violence in the area. The DNA evidence collected from Medina could be crucial in building the case against him and potentially linking him to other crimes.

The details

Prosecutors say Medina stepped out of the shadows and opened fire on Gorman and her friends as they were walking along the lakefront near Rogers Park Pier on March 19. Gorman was struck and died at the scene, while her friends were able to flee unharmed. Medina has been held in custody since his first court appearance on March 27. In court on Wednesday, a judge ordered Medina to provide a DNA sample and fingerprints to the Illinois State Police through a buccal swab. Medina's public defender also filed a motion for the judge to order healthcare for Medina, saying he has a bullet fragment lodged in his nasal cavity that is causing him distress and headaches.

  • Gorman was killed on March 19, 2026.
  • Medina's first court appearance was on March 27, 2026.
  • Medina appeared in court again on April 15, 2026.

The players

Jose Medina

A 25-year-old man charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, and a federal gun possession charge for the shooting death of Sheridan Gorman.

Sheridan Gorman

A Loyola University student who was killed in a shooting in Rogers Park on March 19, 2026.

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What’s next

Medina's next court date has not been immediately announced. The judge ordered doctors at Cermak Health Services to speak to Medina's attorney about his health care and treatment for the bullet fragment in his nasal cavity.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago neighborhoods and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes and provide support for both victims and perpetrators. The collection of DNA evidence from Medina could be a crucial step in building the case against him and potentially linking him to other crimes.