Suspect in Loyola Student's Murder Faces New Federal Charges

Jose Medina, an undocumented immigrant, was charged with illegal firearm possession related to the killing of Sheridan Gorman.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the evidence in a violent crime investigation.The federal charges against the suspect in Sheridan Gorman's murder reflect prosecutors' determination to hold him fully accountable for the 'senseless, cold-blooded' crime.Chicago Today

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois has charged 26-year-old Jose Medina with illegal possession of a firearm in relation to the March 19 killing of Loyola University first-year student Sheridan Gorman. This federal charge adds to the six charges Medina is already facing in Cook County Circuit Court, including one count of unlawful possession of a weapon.

Why it matters

The case has gained national attention due to Medina's immigration status as an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela. The federal charges further ensure that Medina will be held fully accountable under the law for Gorman's murder.

The details

Medina was charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois on April 2. This federal charge comes in addition to the six charges he is already facing in Cook County Circuit Court, including one count of unlawful possession of a weapon. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros stated that the Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office will 'take no chances that this illegal alien perpetrator will be released back into our community'.

  • Sheridan Gorman was killed on March 19.
  • Medina was charged with the federal firearm possession charge on April 2.
  • Medina's arraignment in Cook County court is scheduled for April 15.

The players

Jose Medina

A 26-year-old suspect charged with the murder of Loyola University first-year student Sheridan Gorman. Medina is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela.

Sheridan Gorman

A first-year student at Loyola University who was killed on March 19.

Andrew Boutros

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois who announced the federal criminal complaint against Medina.

Christopher Amon

The Special Agent in Charge of Chicago's Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms who announced the federal criminal complaint against Medina.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Given the senseless, cold-blooded nature of the murder of a young student with a bright future ahead of her, the Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office will take no chances that this illegal alien perpetrator will be released back into our community.”

— Andrew Boutros, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois

“ATF will pursue all applicable federal charges to ensure that those who commit acts of violence are held accountable, and I am grateful for the strong investigative work conducted by the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The addition of federal charges in this case further ensures that the defendant is held fully accountable under the law.”

— Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of Chicago's Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

What’s next

Medina's first appearance in federal court has not been scheduled yet, but he will appear in Cook County court again for his arraignment on April 15.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes, as well as the coordination between federal and local law enforcement to ensure perpetrators are held fully accountable.