A masked gunman shot and killed an 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student along the city’s lakefront shortly after 1:30 a.m. Thursday while she was walking with friends. The victim, Sheridan Gorman, a resident of Westchester County, New York, was struck in the head and died at the scene.
Authorities reported that a 25-year-old man is in custody in connection with her death. According to Fox News, the suspect is a Venezuelan migrant.
The Chicago Tribune reported that a “distinct limp” helped lead to the suspect’s identification within minutes of the shooting. However, the outlet did not name the suspect, and police have not yet confirmed whether charges have been filed in the case.
Loyola University Chicago President Mark C. Reed confirmed Gorman’s death in a letter sent to students.
“It is with profound sadness that I write to share that one of our students, Sheridan Gorman, was killed earlier today. This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her,” Reed stated.
Gorman was walking along the lakefront with friends in the early morning hours when the shooting occurred. Her death has left her family in New York mourning and making funeral arrangements.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement filed an arrest detainer requesting that the suspect not be released.
The suspect, identified as Jose Medina-Medina, is described as a Venezuelan national who had prior encounters with U.S. Border Patrol. He was reportedly apprehended in May 2023 and later released into the country.
Records indicate that he was previously arrested for shoplifting in Chicago and released again in June 2023.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis criticized the circumstances, stating that the suspect had been released multiple times before the fatal incident.
Officials have called on Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and local authorities to ensure the suspect remains in custody.
In a separate development, ICE Director Todd Lyons previously urged Illinois officials to comply with federal arrest warrants for thousands of individuals in state custody.
Recent data reviewed by The New York Times shows that ICE arrests nationwide have increased, averaging more than 1,100 per day this year compared to about 600 per day last spring.
The data also shows regional variations, with some areas experiencing increases in arrests while others have seen declines despite prior enforcement efforts.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather details.
