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In a poignant courtroom scene in Chicago, the parents of Sheridan Gorman confronted the man accused of killing their daughter on Wednesday.
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Sheridan Gorman, a freshman at Loyola University, tragically lost her life after being shot while spending time with friends at a beach in Rogers Park.
The accused, Jose Medina, entered a plea of not guilty during the proceedings, utilizing a Spanish interpreter to communicate. He is charged with first-degree murder and weapons violations.
Medina, who was present in court wearing a tan jumpsuit from Cook County Jail, was seen walking with a limp and using a cane.
The 25-year-old, originally from Venezuela, stands accused by the Department of Homeland Security of entering the United States illegally in 2023.
According to the prosecution, Medina allegedly leaped from the bushes and began shooting at Gorman and her group of friends without warning.
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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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