The man accused of killing Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old freshman at Loyola University, appeared remotely in court from a hospital bed. Jose Medina-Medina, charged with Gorman’s murder, was hospitalized after experiencing a seizure, according to his defense attorney. Prosecutors allege Medina, a Venezuelan national, shot Gorman in March near Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago.
Medina joined the court hearing via Zoom from the hospital. A Cook County judge ordered him to attend his next court appearance in person if his health permits. His attorneys argue that his health issues stem from a 2018 shooting in Colombia, where he sustained a head injury. They are awaiting more medical information before deciding on pretrial motions.
Prosecutors have shared additional evidence with the defense. This includes DNA testing results on a firearm found at the crime scene. Further trace evidence testing is ongoing, and more DNA analysis may be requested based on these results. Additional evidence in a separate case involving Medina’s alleged possession of a homemade shank in jail has also been provided.
The case’s next status hearing is set for September 3. Gorman’s family was not present at the recent hearing. Medina has been detained since his arrest in March and maintains his not guilty plea.