Full Breakdown
Parents of Sheridan Gorman Demand Accountability Following Daughter's Fatal Shooting
4/23/2026, 10:18:28 PM
Fatal Incident Overview
On March 19, 2023, Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old freshman at Loyola University Chicago, was shot and killed while walking with friends near Lake Michigan. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when a masked gunman approached the group. According to Chicago police, Gorman warned her friends of the threat before she was shot in the back and neck, dying at the scene. Authorities have described the shooting as appearing random. The suspect, Jose Medina, a 26-year-old undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, was arrested shortly after the incident and faces charges including first-degree murder.
Background on the Suspect
Jose Medina entered the United States illegally in 2023 and was first apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol. Following his release, he was arrested for shoplifting in Chicago but failed to appear for a court hearing, leading to an arrest warrant. Medina's public defender, Julie Koehler, stated that he suffered a severe head injury in 2018, resulting in a mental capacity comparable to that of a child. However, Gorman's parents dispute this characterization, arguing that Medina demonstrated awareness by acquiring a firearm and wearing a mask during the incident.
Parents' Call for Accountability
In their first public statements since the tragedy, Jessica and Thomas Gorman have labeled their daughter's death a "preventable murder" and are demanding accountability for the circumstances that allowed Medina to remain free despite his criminal history. They assert that there should be better cooperation between state, local, and federal authorities regarding undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. Jessica Gorman emphasized the need for changes that transcend political affiliations, stating, "This can't happen. We've got to make changes."
Criticism of Current Policies
The Gormans have expressed concern over existing policies that they believe contributed to their daughter's death. Thomas Gorman stated, "There's definitely policies that contributed to this happening, and we can't save Sheridan, but we can't just not do anything." Their statements have been echoed by political figures, including those from the Trump administration, who have used the case to advocate for stricter immigration policies.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Medina's immigration status and prior arrests. In response to the Gormans' calls for accountability, Koehler described the situation as a tragedy, highlighting Medina's mental health issues. The Gormans, however, maintain that Medina's actions indicate he was capable of premeditated violence.
What's Next
As the case progresses, the Gormans are committed to advocating for policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. They have expressed a determination to pursue accountability, stating, "I will never rest... I have to fight for my child. I have to fight for yours."
Verbatim Quotes
- "She was a really amazing person... No one should have to deal with the police coming to your door at 6 a.m." — Jessica Gorman, Mother
- "A child does not do that." — Thomas Gorman, Father
- "This can't happen. We've got to make changes." — Jessica Gorman, Mother
- "There's definitely policies that contributed to this happening." — Thomas Gorman, Father
