The Venezuelan national accused of killing 18years old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago has been identified as 25years old Jose Medina, who was arrested days after the fatal shooting near Tobey Prinz Beach.

Medina was arrested on Friday in connection with the killing, which authorities say took place on Thursday evening and is being investigated as a possible ambush. Police sources said the suspect may have been wearing a face covering during the shooting.

An arrest report states that surveillance footage later showed Medina inside his apartment building lobby without a mask shortly after the incident. Investigators said a building engineer also identified him due to a distinct limp and gait.

According to ABC7 Chicago, Medina had an outstanding arrest warrant stemming from a 2023 shoplifting case after he failed to appear in court. The warrant was still active at the time of the alleged murder

Images of the suspect were circulated to law enforcement databases, with the US Customs and Border Protection identifying him as Medina. He was later arrested at his residence in Rogers Park, according to police records.

Sheridan Gorman, who attended Yorktown High School in New York, was remembered in her obituary as someone who “had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and believed in.” She had been active in sports including field hockey, lacrosse, and bowling, among other activities.

“People often say someone ‘lit up a room’… but in Sheridan’s case, those phrases fall way too short,” the obituary read, describing her as “a bright, beautiful soul” whose warmth deeply impacted those around her.

Following the arrest, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer against Medina as prosecutors pursue multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.

The Department of Homeland Security said Medina had previously been apprehended by US Border Patrol in May 2023 and released into the United States. He was later released again following a separate shoplifting arrest in June 2023.

Sheridan Gorman’s family said her death reflected “systemic failure” and called for full accountability through both state and federal prosecution.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office said the state’s thoughts were with the victim’s family and described the killing as a “senseless murder,” while also accusing federal officials of politicising the case.

Chicago Alderwoman Mariq Hadden said the incident appeared to be a case of “wrong place at the wrong time,” as residents in the area expressed shock over the shooting.

Cardinal Blase Cupich said he had spoken with the victim’s parents, who are “taking this very hard,” as the Loyola University community continues to mourn her death.

Medina is expected to appear in court on Friday morning as the investigation continues. (Arise News)

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