Chicago Murder Suspect Has Child's Brain Development, Lawyer Claims in Court
In a dramatic court hearing in Chicago, the defense lawyer for a man accused of killing university student Sheridan Gorman revealed that her client suffers from severe cognitive impairment, missing a portion of his brain and possessing "the brain development of a child." The case, which continues to unfold, centers on Jose Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national who appeared before a judge on Friday and was ordered held without bail.
Defense Argues Cognitive Impairment from Gunshot Wound
Defense attorney Julie Koehler told the court that Medina-Medina's condition stems from a gunshot wound to the head sustained during a robbery in Colombia. "Today he has the brain development of a child," Koehler stated, adding that the injury occurred after his family fled to Colombia in 2016 and forced him to relearn basic functions like walking and speaking. The remarks suggest the defense may pursue an insanity argument as the case progresses.
Prosecutors Outline Alleged Attack on Gorman
Prosecutors presented a starkly different account of events surrounding the death of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman. They alleged that on March 19, Medina-Medina left his apartment near Tobey Prinz Beach wearing a ski mask. Gorman and five friends were on a pier attempting to see the northern lights when the attack occurred.
According to prosecutors:
- Gorman noticed someone hiding nearby and quietly warned her friends.
- As the group tried to move away, Medina-Medina allegedly emerged and fired a single shot, striking her in the back while others sought cover.
- He then reportedly walked around the pier before leaving, and the group later found Gorman unconscious.
Court Appearance and Medical Conditions
The hearing was conducted with Medina-Medina appearing by video from a hospital room inside Cook County Jail. An illegal immigrant who entered the US in 2023, he wore a surgical mask after testing positive for tuberculosis and listened through a Spanish interpreter. His lawyer requested medical treatment for epilepsy and asked that he remain in the jail's health facility to avoid deportation proceedings.
Background and Charges
Police identified Medina-Medina after his mother recognized him in surveillance footage. He had a prior arrest for shoplifting. He now faces charges including first-degree murder and weapons offences, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 15. The case highlights complex legal and medical issues as the defense prepares to argue his cognitive state in the ongoing proceedings.
