Shooting Death in Chicago Renews National Debate over Illegal Immigration
By Dan Murphy
The Yorktown community is mourning the death of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman, who was shot and killed in Chicago on March 19. Gorman was a Freshman at Loyola University and was a 2025 Graduate of Yorktown High School.
In the early hours of Thursday, March 19, Sheridan and a group of friends were walking along the pier at Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Her family noted they were hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. At approximately 1:00 a.m., a masked individual approached the group. As Sheridan and her friends attempted to run away, the assailant opened fire. Sheridan was struck and died at the scene.
Police were able to identify the shooter as Jose Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, who was charged with first-degree murder. DHS says Medina has allegedly been living in the country illegally after entering it in 2023.
This is the statement from Sheridan Gorman’s family.
“Sheridan was the heart of our family. She had a rare ability to bring people together — to make others feel included, understood, and loved. She lived with intention, with faith, and with kindness that defined who she was every single day. She was just beginning her journey, with so much ahead of her.
She was doing something entirely normal — walking with friends, close to home, in an area where she had every reason to feel safe. There was nothing unusual about her being there. There was nothing that should have placed her in harm’s way.
This was not inevitable. This was a choice. And our daughter paid the price for it.
We want to be clear: Sheridan did nothing wrong. She lived her life the way any young person should be able to live it — freely, safely, and without fear. Our daughter’s life was not expendable. She should still be here.
We recognize that the arraignment represents a formal step in the justice process, and we appreciate the work of law enforcement in bringing the case to this point. But for our family, it is about ensuring that Sheridan’s life is not reduced to just another case moving through the system. This cannot become just another story that fades with time.
We intend to make sure that her name, her story, and the impact of her life endure beyond this moment. There will come a time when we speak more fully about how Sheridan’s life can continue to matter in the world. For now, our focus remains on honoring her, supporting one another, and seeing this process through.
“This case must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of both state and federal law. There can be no gaps, no shortcuts, and no second chances that put others at risk. Accountability must be complete.”
“This was not inevitable. This was a choice. And our daughter paid the price for it. We are deeply grateful for the support we have received. The Yorktown community has stood behind us with strength and love.”
Sheridan was a devout Christian whose bio on social media included the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.” She was active in Loyola’s “Cru” Christian group and had recently traveled to Indianapolis with fellow members.
Sheridan’s death has sparked a national conversation on public safety and immigration policy.
Assemblyman Matt Slater posted on social media and also appeared on Fox News. “Our community is devastated by the loss of Sheridan Gorman, and we are rallying around the Gorman family.
“We stand with the Gorman family as they seek justice. But we cannot ignore the failures that led to this tragedy. When systems break down, innocent lives are put at risk—and that must change.
“We thank law enforcement officials for their good work in apprehending a suspect. The immediate focus needs to be justice for Sheridan and the Gorman family, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that this is the second time a member of our community has been victimized by this type of violence. Our immigration system is clearly broken and endangering innocent American citizens. No one should be a victim of a system that fails on multiple levels,” said Slater, adding, “If we can’t feel safe in America, are we Free?”
On Oct. 28, 2024, 15-year-old Michael Raimondi was killed in Somers by illegal migrant Fernando Jiminez. He has been sentenced to 37 years in prison.
A GoFundMe page has been set up in Sheridan’s memory. “Anyone who knows this family—and anyone who knew Sheridan—will say one thing: she was pure light.
“Shera loved deeply and lived fully. She loved Jesus, her family, her sister Maddie most of all, her lifelong friends, and the simple, beautiful moments that made up her life. She had a way of making everyone feel special, seen, and loved. To know her was to be changed by her.
“Her loss is unimaginable. Her family is shattered, especially her beloved sister Maddie, who is navigating a heartbreak no one should ever have to carry.
“This fundraiser is about honoring Shera. All funds raised will go toward her remembrance and memorial activities and creating a memorial and/or scholarship(s) in her name, ensuring her light continues to shine and be a service and support for others, which is what she believed in.
“If you feel called to give, please know it means more than words can express. More than anything, we ask that you keep this incredible family in your prayers and help us carry Shera’s light forward/” Link-https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-gorman-family-cz6ns
A community vigil to celebrate Sheridan’s life is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field in Yorktown.
