An undocumented immigrant charged in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman made a court appearance on Monday. However, this session was unusual as the defendant participated via Zoom from his hospital bed, following a recent seizure, as stated by his public defender.
Jose Medina-Medina, who hails from Venezuela and faces charges for allegedly murdering Gorman, missed the chance to physically attend his scheduled hearing before a Cook County judge. Instead, he was present virtually due to his hospitalization over the weekend, a decision reportedly necessary after he experienced the seizure.
The presiding judge instructed that Medina should be present in person at the subsequent court date, provided his health allows him to do so.
Medina’s defense team has consistently highlighted his medical struggles, citing seizures and other health complications attributed to a 2018 shooting incident in Colombia. According to their argument, Medina sustained a gunshot wound to the head during that episode.
A photograph from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office shows Jose Medina-Medina displaying his head wound. (Cook County Sheriff’s Office)
On Monday, Medina’s attorney told the judge the defense is still waiting for additional information about his medical condition before deciding which pretrial motions it may file.
Meanwhile, prosecutors said the murder case continues to progress.
They told the court they have turned over several additional pieces of evidence to the defense, including most of the DNA testing completed on the firearm recovered at the scene. Trace evidence testing is still underway, and prosecutors said they may request additional DNA analysis depending on those results.
Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman poses with the school’s mascot during a campus event in an undated photo. (Sheridan G. Gorman via Instagram)
Prosecutors also said they’ve turned over more evidence in the separate case accusing Medina of possessing a homemade shank while in custody. They are still waiting for subpoenaed body-camera video and hospital surveillance video to be added to the case.
The case was continued until Sept. 3 for another status hearing.
Sheridan Gorman’s family did not attend Monday’s hearing.
Madelon, Jess and Tom Gorman, family members of Sheridan Gorman, appeared on “The Story” to discuss the death of their daughter and sister. (“The Story”/Fox News)
Medina has remained behind bars since his March arrest and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola University freshman, was fatally shot in March while walking with friends near Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Authorities allege Medina opened fire during the incident, killing the college student.