The parents of Sheridan Gorman faced their daughter’s accused killer in a Chicago courtroom on Wednesday.
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The Loyola University freshman was shot and killed while hanging with friends at in Rogers Park beach.
Jose Medina entered a not guilty plea through a Spanish language interpreter. He is facing first-degree murder and weapon charges.
Medina appeared in court wearing a tan Cook County jail jumpsuit and walked with a limp using a cane.
The Department of Homeland Security accused the 25-year-old Venezuelan national of entering the country illegally in 2023.
Prosecutors say Medina jumped out of the bushes and allegedly opened fire on the Gorman and her friend group.
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Gorman was shot in the neck and died at the scene.
Medina’s public defender says her client suffers from brain damage after being shot in the head in 2018.
Gorman’s parents asked that their daughter’s death not be politicized while vowing to get justice.
“We are interested in only one thing, to make sure that this does not happen to another family,” father Tom Gorman said. “Let me tell you what this actually looks like: it’s an empty seat at the table, it’s silence where there used to be laughter, it’s waking up everyday knowing that your child is gone, and nothing is going to change that.”
Jessica Gorman, the victim’s mother, thanked the public for their thoughts and prayers.
“Our daughter was beautiful on the inside and out,” she said. “She really mattered. We are going to get justice for her.”
The state’s attorney requested a DNA swab from Medina.
Medina previously appeared for a virtual hearing after his initial hearing was postponed due to a tuberculosis diagnosis.
Medina’s next court date is June 1.
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