Illinois victim’s father warns of more deaths over immigration policy

The tragic death of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old freshman at Loyola University Chicago, has reignited a fierce national debate over Illinois’ immigration policies and public safety. Gorman was shot and killed on March 19, 2026, while spending time with friends at a pier in Rogers Park.

The suspect, 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina, is a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. in 2023. His case has become a flashpoint for critics of current border and sanctuary policies.

The Incident: An “Apparent Ambush”

According to court testimonies and police reports:

• The Confrontation: Gorman and her friends were at a pier near Tobey Prinz Beach when she discovered Medina-Medina hiding behind a lighthouse.

• The Chase: When Gorman alerted her friends, Medina-Medina allegedly began chasing the group and fired a weapon, striking Gorman in the upper back.

• The Suspect: Medina-Medina was identified via security footage in his apartment building. A building engineer recognized his “distinct limp and gait.”

A Father’s Warning: The “Parallel” Tragedies

The case has drawn a powerful response from Joe Abraham, whose 20-year-old daughter, Katie Abraham, was killed in a 2025 hit-and-run in Urbana, Illinois, involving another undocumented immigrant, Julio Cucul-Bol.

Abraham told Fox News Digital that these deaths are “very parallel” and symptomatic of “reckless, radical” policies.

“I am speaking out because I know there will be more deaths and more victims… There is no consideration for anything.” — Joe Abraham

Profile of the Suspect

The defense for Medina-Medina has presented a complex medical and personal history that adds another layer to the legal proceedings:

• Medical History: His attorney stated that Medina-Medina was shot in the head while in Colombia, losing a portion of his brain and skull. He allegedly has the “brain development of a child,” suffers from epilepsy, and cannot read or write.

• U.S. Entry: After turning himself in at the Texas border in 2023, he was released into the U.S.

• Health Issues: While in a Chicago shelter, he reportedly contracted tuberculosis.

• Prior Record: DHS confirmed he had been arrested for shoplifting prior to the shooting but was released.

Community and National Reaction

The murder has drawn comments from high-ranking officials, including the Speaker of the House, who argued the event occurred exactly as “intended” by current administration policies.

On campus and in the Rogers Park community, Gorman is remembered as a “vibrant” and “compassionate” soul. Flowers and memorials have been placed at the Tobey Prinz Beach pier where the shooting occurred.

Wider Implications for 2026

This case is being cited by proponents of stricter immigration enforcement as evidence that current screening and monitoring systems are failing. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, “Sanctuary City” status and the “Safety Act” in Illinois are expected to be major campaign issues.