Man charged with murder of Chicago college student was undocumented immigrant: DHS

CHICAGO — A 25-year-old man accused of killing a Loyola University freshman in Chicago is expected in court Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security said the suspect, Jose Medina, is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela.

Medina was arrested by Chicago police on Friday and faces multiple charges in connection with the shooting, including first-degree murder.

The slain student was identified by her family as Sheridan Gorman.

According to police, Medina approached Gorman and her group of friends at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday, took out a gun and fired. Gorman was shot in the head and died of her injuries.

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An attorney representing Gorman’s family releasing a statement, saying in part: “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 Department of Homeland Security is urging Illinois officials to keep Medina behind bars, while also issuing an ICE detainer for allegedly being undocumented.

DHS said Medina entered the country illegally in 2023, and was arrested for shoplifting in Chicago that year.

Court records also show that Medina never showed up to court for that retail theft charge, so an arrest warrant was issued.

Medina is now facing first degree murder and weapon charges. His court hearing is scheduled for this afternoon.

Loyola University president Mark Reed said in a statement, “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her.”

Reed said the university is offering counseling services and is in touch with law enforcement.

ABC News contributed to this report.