(NBC CHICAGO) - A suspect has been charged with first-degree murder, among other alleged crimes, in the killing of Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman, Chicago police said Sunday night.
Jose Medina-Medina, 25, was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault/discharge of a firearm and one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/no Firearm Owners Identification Card.
Chicago police said Medina-Medina, who was arrested on Friday night, was identified as the individual who shot an 18-year-old woman, identified as Gorman, early Thursday morning.
A detention hearing was scheduled for Monday.
Before Chicago police announced charges had been filed, Immigration and Customs Enforcement asked local authorities not to release Medina-Medina and issued an arrest detainer, the Department of Homeland Security said earlier Sunday.
In a statement, DHS said law enforcement arrested Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan migrant who they said entered the United States illegally.
Gorman, 18, was shot and killed at around 1 a.m. Thursday near Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, where she and friends went to see the northern lights.
Authorities previously said an unknown masked man approached the group, pulled out a gun and fired in their direction. Gorman was shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gorman's family released the following the statement through their attorney on Sunday after Medina was charged:
“We acknowledge the arrest of the individual accused of taking our daughter’s life and thank the Chicago Police Department, Area Three Detectives, and all those involved in the investigation who worked quickly to identify and apprehend him. Their efforts matter. But this is not justice—it is the first step toward it.”
Medina-Medina, age 25, was arrested on March 20, 2026, and charged with one count of First Degree Murder, one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, three counts of Aggravated Assault/Discharge of a Firearm, and one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
“Sheridan was 18. She had her entire life ahead of her—her education, her future, her family, the countless lives she would have touched. All of that was taken in a moment, and there is no way to repair that loss.”
The family forcefully rejected any suggestion that Sheridan’s actions contributed to what occurred.
“What Sheridan was doing that night—walking with friends near her campus—was normal. It was safe. It is what students do every day. We will not allow this to be dismissed as ‘wrong place, wrong time.’ This was not random misfortune. This was a violent and preventable act.”
The family also addressed information released by federal authorities regarding the accused’s prior encounters with the system.
“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.”
The family called for comprehensive accountability.
“This case must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of both state and federal law. There can be no gaps, no shortcuts, and no second chances that put others at risk. Accountability must be complete.”
While expressing appreciation for the support they have received, the family made clear their immediate priorities.
“Our focus right now is on bringing our daughter home and laying her to rest. We are not in a position to participate in interviews and ask that our privacy be respected during this time.”
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