A Cook County judge ordered on March 27 that Jose Medina, the man charged with the fatal shooting of Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman, remain detained as new details about the case and Medina’s background were revealed during a pretrial hearing.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its impact on campus safety and broader political discussions about immigration. Prosecutors said Medina, 26, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm following the early morning incident at Tony Prinz Beach on March 19.
Circuit Judge D’Anthony Thedford described Medina as “a person that hides themselves in order to randomly commit horrible offense[s] and then decides to go back home.” Prosecutors detailed how Medina allegedly hid behind a lighthouse before opening fire at Gorman and her friends. Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara said Gorman was shot in the back while trying to flee. Police identified Medina through security footage and witness accounts noting his distinct limp from a previous knee injury. A search warrant led police to recover a handgun matching evidence found at the scene.
Public defender Julie Koehler outlined aspects of Medina’s past during Friday’s hearing. She said he was born in Venezuela, suffered developmental delays, moved to Colombia after his mother faced threats there, and endured severe injuries after being shot in the head during a robbery. Koehler said Medina “takes eight different medications,” suffers from epilepsy, has significant cognitive impairments, and contracted tuberculosis while staying at a Chicago migrant shelter in 2023. Koehler requested that he remain detained locally out of concern for his safety if deported: “for his own safety.” She acknowledged this request was unusual for her role.
Gorman’s death prompted statements from national figures including President Donald Trump who referenced border policies when discussing the suspect’s entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security issued an arrest detainer requesting local authorities not release Medina due to possible deportation proceedings.
Friends and faculty remembered Gorman as dedicated to charity work and active in campus religious organizations. Kim Johnson, who assisted Gorman with Bible study activities at Loyola University Chicago’s Christian group Cru, said: “She was always the first person who would hug me at a group, and she was always the last person too.”
