Warning from Victims’ Families as Gun Violence Claims Lives
The father of a 20-year-old woman tragically killed by an illegal immigrant in Illinois has raised concerns about the potential for more innocent victims if current policies remain unchanged. Sheridan Gorman, 18, a freshman at Loyola University Chicago, was fatally shot on March 19 while enjoying a day with friends at the Rogers Park pier. The alleged shooter, 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina, is reportedly an illegal immigrant who entered the United States this year and was released under the Biden administration’s immigration policy, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Details of the Incident Emerge
During a recent court hearing, prosecutors revealed that Gorman discovered Medina-Medina hiding behind a lighthouse. When she alerted her friends, Medina-Medina pursued them, allegedly firing a gun and hitting Gorman in the upper back.
Parallel Tragedy Feels Familiar
Joe Abraham’s daughter, Katie, was also a victim of violence involving an illegal immigrant. In January 2025, Katie was killed in a hit-and-run accident caused by undocumented immigrant Julio Cucurbor, who fled the scene. Cucurbor received a 30-year prison sentence for his actions. Abraham has drawn parallels between the tragic deaths of both young women, stressing the urgent need for reform in Illinois’ immigration policies.
Calls for Policy Reform Gain Traction
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Abraham warned that without changes to immigration laws, more lives would be lost. “I am speaking out because I know there will be more deaths,” he stated, emphasizing that innocent victims fall prey to reckless policies. “These policies are too reckless, too radical, and too extreme,” he stressed. “It’s not balanced; nothing is considered. This is an urgency for action.”
Insights into the Victims’ Lives
Gorman is remembered as a bright young woman with a vibrant personality. Her obituary highlights her ability to make others feel valued and seen. Described as a caring and spirited individual, Gorman had just started her college journey and was deeply passionate about water polo and swimming. Joe Abraham remembers his daughter Katie as someone who embodied kindness and warmth, emphasizing that she had a promising future ahead.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings Continue
Citing an ambush in the shooting incident, law enforcement officials indicated that Medina-Medina appeared to have concealed his identity at the time of the attack. Surveillance footage captured him after the incident, showing him without any disguise. According to police, a construction engineer recognized Medina-Medina due to his distinctive limp.
Legal Challenges Facing the Suspect
Medina-Medina’s background is troubling; he reportedly suffered from serious medical issues and faced legal challenges prior to his arrest. After an incident in Colombia that left him injured, he turned himself in at the Texas border in 2023. However, he was subsequently transported to Chicago, where he contracted tuberculosis while awaiting hearings. His legal representation has raised concerns about his mental health and cognitive abilities, which could complicate his case.
