Jose Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan national charged with the murder of 18-year-old Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman, appeared in court on July 27, 2026, via Zoom from a hospital bed after reportedly suffering a seizure. His defense attorney stated that Medina was admitted to the hospital following the seizure, which occurred over the weekend. The judge ordered Medina to appear in person at his next court hearing if he is physically able.
Defense attorneys have indicated that Medina has experienced seizures and other health issues due to a shooting in Colombia in 2018, where he was shot in the head. During the hearing, Medina's attorney mentioned that they are awaiting further medical information before deciding on pretrial motions.
Prosecutors reported that the murder case is progressing, having provided additional evidence to the defense, including DNA testing results from the firearm recovered at the scene. They noted that trace evidence testing is ongoing and may request further DNA analysis based on those results. Additionally, they have submitted evidence related to a separate case accusing Medina of possessing a homemade shank while in custody.
The next status hearing for the case is scheduled for September 3. Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot in March while walking with friends near Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Medina has been in custody since his arrest in March and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.