Heartbroken Mother Vows Fight For Justice After Daughter Murdered By Released Illegal Immigrant

Jose Medina-Medina sits on a bench at an Arizona border processing station at twilight, a border patrol officer stands nearby with a clipboard.

On May 9, 2023, illegal immigrant Jose Medina-Medina from Venezuela was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol — but released into America under the Biden administration. A decision with fatal consequences ahead.

A young woman lies on the ground near a pier in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood at night, personal items scattered nearby.

On March 19 at around 1:06 a.m., 18-year-old Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman was shot and killed near a pier in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood — just months before completing her first year.

Jessica Gorman, her face illuminated by candlelight, delivers a passionate vow for justice at a vigil, surrounded by a supportive crowd.

Her mother Jessica Gorman delivered emotional remarks at a vigil in Yorktown Heights, New York. “I’m angry, completely heartbroken,” she said, vowing a fierce fight for justice and demanding change for every child’s safety.

Thomas Tripodianos stands at a vigil, gesturing with his hand and wearing a serious expression as he addresses a crowd of community members.

Family attorney Thomas Tripodianos warned against growing complacency about public safety. “If we accept this silently, young people are not safe,” he declared at the vigil, demanding real justice — not silence.

Steven Betancourt speaks at a memorial vigil, standing near flowers and candles as a diverse community gathers in shared mourning.

Loyola University’s campus ministry director Steven Betancourt honored Sheridan at the vigil. “You are deeply loved, deeply missed,” he said, affirming she would live on forever in the lives she touched and changed.

Jose Medina-Medina sits at the defendant’s table in a Chicago courtroom, appearing in a prison jumpsuit before the judge.

The suspect appeared in court on Friday and was ordered to remain in custody. Medina-Medina now faces multiple charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a gun.