A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old college student from Westchester County near the campus of Loyola University Chicago.
Sheridan Gorman, a freshman who grew up in Yorktown Heights, New York, was shot in the early morning hours while walking with friends near Tobey Prinz Beach, a lakeside area close to campus.
According to Chicago police, the shooting occurred around 2:11 a.m. Thursday when a masked individual approached the group and opened fire. Gorman was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jose Medina. Detectives took him into custody Friday evening in the same general area where he had been living. He had previously been described as a person of interest before police formally announced his arrest. Investigators spent the weekend questioning him before filing murder charges.
Federal officials later stated that Medina is a Venezuelan national who was allegedly in the United States without legal status. The Department of Homeland Security said an immigration detainer has been lodged to prevent his release. Chicago police have not provided additional details regarding his immigration status.
In a statement released late Sunday, Gorman’s family expressed gratitude for the swift action by investigators but emphasized that the arrest marks only the beginning of the legal process.
“We acknowledge the arrest of the individual accused of taking our daughter’s life and thank the Chicago Police Department and all those involved in the investigation,” the family said. “But this is not justice—it is the first step toward it.”
They also voiced concern over broader systemic issues, saying failures in policy and coordination can have irreversible consequences. “When systems fail, the impact is not theoretical. It is real. And for our family, it is permanent,” the statement read. The family called for full accountability under both state and federal law.
In a prior message shared through their attorney, relatives described Sheridan as compassionate, faith-driven, and deeply loved by those around her. “She made people feel seen, safe, and valued simply by being herself,” they said.
Loyola University Chicago President Mark C. Reed addressed the campus community following the tragedy, calling it a devastating loss. University officials stated they are cooperating closely with law enforcement and indicated that, based on available information, there is no ongoing threat to students.
The incident has intensified discussions about safety in and around the campus area. Students have expressed concern, noting that Gorman was walking with friends — a commonly recommended safety practice — when the shooting occurred.
As the case moves forward, both the university community and Gorman’s hometown in Westchester County continue to mourn the loss of a young life cut short.
