Jose Medina-Medina, an undocumented immigrant accused of murdering Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman, appeared in a Cook County court hearing remotely from a hospital bed Monday. His attorney stated Medina suffered a seizure over the weekend.
Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan national, did not appear in person before the judge. His attorney informed the court that they are awaiting further medical information before filing pretrial motions. The judge ordered Medina to appear in person at his next hearing if medically able.
Prosecutors reported that the murder case is progressing. They have provided the defense with additional evidence, including most of the DNA testing results from the firearm recovered at the scene. Trace evidence testing is ongoing, with prosecutors indicating they may seek further DNA analysis based on those results.
Medina-Medina has also been charged with possessing a homemade shank while in custody. Prosecutors are awaiting body camera and hospital surveillance video for that separate case.
The suspect has been held without bail since his arrest in March and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Gorman, 18, was fatally shot in March in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood while walking with friends. Authorities allege Medina-Medina opened fire during the incident.
The case was continued to Sept. 3 for another status hearing. Gorman's family did not attend Monday's hearing.
Defense attorneys have previously argued that Medina-Medina has experienced health issues, including seizures, stemming from a 2018 shooting in Colombia where they claim he was shot in the head.