The first court appearance for Jose Medina-Medina, the Venezuelan national accused of murdering Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman, was postponed after he was hospitalized with tuberculosis. Medina-Medina, 25, allegedly shot the 18-year-old freshman last week while she walked with friends near campus. The case has sparked reactions from President Donald Trump, Gorman's family, and Illinois officials.
The court appearance scheduled for Monday for Jose Medina-Medina was delayed due to his hospitalization for tuberculosis, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune and NBC5. Medina-Medina faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, per the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
As detailed in prior coverage, Medina-Medina was identified as the suspect in the March 20 shooting of Sheridan Gorman through surveillance video capturing his 'distinct limp' after the incident. He had entered the US illegally via the Mexico border in May 2023 and was released; he later allegedly shoplifted from a Macy's in Chicago in June 2023, failed to appear in court, and had an outstanding warrant. An ICE detainer was issued, but Chicago's sanctuary policies may limit enforcement.
Gorman's family expressed outrage over policies that allowed Medina-Medina to remain free: 'We are gravely disappointed by the policies and failures that allowed this individual to remain in a position to commit this crime. When systems fail—whether through release decisions, lack of coordination, or unwillingness to act—the consequences are not abstract. They are real. And in our case, they are permanent.'
President Donald Trump commented to Daily Wire: 'It’s devastating. These people were let in by Biden. We’re getting them out. We’re getting them out fast. That’s why ICE is so important.' Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Lauren Bis added: 'Sheridan Gorman had her whole life ahead of her before this cold-blooded killer decided to end her life. She was failed by open border policies and sanctuary politicians who RELEASED this illegal alien TWICE.'
Chicago Alderman Maria Hadden described the incident as Gorman being 'at the wrong place at the wrong time,' a characterization rejected by the family: 'She was walking with a group of friends near her dorm, in an area that was understood to be safe.' Governor J.B. Pritzker's office responded: 'Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and Loyola University community grieving the senseless murder of Sheridan Gorman. Violent crime has no place in our streets, and we expect the alleged perpetrator to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The Trump Administration needs to stop politicizing heinous tragedies.'
