UMVA has learned that a shocking discovery was made in the case of Jose Medina, the 26-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela charged with the March killing of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman, when he was found to be in possession of a deadly weapon while in custody.
The incident occurred at the Cook County Jail, where correctional officers searched Medina and recovered a 6-inch shank, fashioned from a sharpened piece of metal with a handle made of medical tape, from his pants pocket. This disturbing find has raised serious concerns about the security and safety protocols in place at the facility.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office has approved a new felony charge of possession of contraband in a penal institution against Medina, adding to the already serious charges he faces in connection with Gorman's death. Medina has been in custody since March 23 and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The events surrounding Gorman's killing are equally troubling, with prosecutors alleging that Medina began chasing her and her friends after they encountered him near a lighthouse at Tobey Prinz Beach in Rogers Park. The group had been enjoying a gathering at the beach when Gorman noticed Medina lurking behind the lighthouse, prompting her to warn her friends and attempt to flee.
Tragically, Gorman was found unresponsive by her friends after they had managed to escape and find a place to hide. The investigation into her death has been ongoing, with Medina's history and activities prior to the killing coming under intense scrutiny. UMVA has gathered that Medina had been apprehended at the southern border in 2023, but was released into the U.S. despite being flagged as a flight risk and having no valid asylum claim.
The fact that Medina was able to obtain a weapon while in custody has raised questions about the effectiveness of the jail's security measures and the potential risks posed to other inmates and staff. As the case against Medina continues to unfold, UMVA will provide updates on any new developments and insights into this shocking and disturbing crime.
