The Venezuelan illegal immigrant accused of killing a college student made one mistake that helped officials identify him, according to an arrest report.
Jose Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, was arrested on Friday after allegedly killing Sheridan Gorman, 18, one day earlier near Tobey Prinz Beach. A police source earlier told Fox News that an apparent ambush, adding that the suspect was reportedly wearing some kind of face mask or covering.Â
An arrest report obtained by Fox News Digital states that after the shooting, Medina was seen on video in his apartment building’s lobby waiting for an elevator while he wasn’t masked. A building engineer told police that he knew the suspect who had a “very distinct limp and gait.”
Images of the suspect were sent to a police database, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection identified the suspect as Medina. He was arrested at his apartment in Rogers Park, according to the arrest report.
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After the shooting at 1:06 a.m. on Thursday, police said in the arrest report that a male in black clothing, wearing a black mask and walking with a “distinct limp and slow gait” was seen walking from the location of the shooting to Pratt Boulevard at 1:12 a.m. A few minutes later, he was seen walking northbound through the east alley of Sheridan Road before he entered the back of his apartment complex.
Gorman, who attended Yorktown High School in , was described in an obituary as someone who “had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and believed in.” While in high school, Gorman participated in field hockey, lacrosse, and bowling “among many other activities.”
“People often say someone ‘lit up a room’ or had inner and outer beauty, but in Sheridans case, those phrases fall way too short. She radiated something even greaterâa rare and unmistakable warmth, a spirit that was vibrant, compassionate, and full of life. She was funny, kind, and deeply loving, with a heart that made space for everyone,” her obituary states. “She loved fiercelyâher family, her friends, her community, and her faith. She brought people together, lifted them up, and made the ordinary moments feel extraordinary simply by being in them.”
“Though her life was far too short, Sheridans impact is immeasurable. She will forever be remembered as a bright, beautiful soul whose love continues to shine in all who knew her,” stated the obituary.
Medina, an , was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023, and was under the Biden administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Following an arrest for shoplifting in Chicago, Medina was released on June 19, 2023, DHS said.
, first-degree attempted murder, three felony counts of aggravated assault with discharge of firearm and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the Chicago Police Department.
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lodged an arrest detainer against Medina following the alleged murder.
“We are calling on Governor Pritzker and to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail back into American neighborhoods,” DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.
In a new statement to Fox News, their daughter’s death was a result of systemic failure within the immigration system.
“We are gravely disappointed by the that allowed this individual to remain in a position to commit this crime. When âwhether through release decisions, lack of coordination, or unwillingness to actâthe consequences are not abstract. They are real. And in our case, they are permanent,” the family said. “This case must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of both state and federal law
