Jose Medina-Medina, accused of murdering Loyola student Sheridan Gorman, now faces new federal charges for possessing a weapon illegally while in Cook County Jail. The bereaved family of Gorman emphasizes his emotionless demeanor during court proceedings, highlighting the planned nature of the crime. This case raises ongoing concerns about justice for victims.
The man accused of killing his teenage girlfriend in Arizona allegedly attempted to cover his tracks and flee the country. Law enforcement sources revealed to Fox News that Varun Batchigari, a 20-year-old Indian national, entered the U.S. via Los Angeles International Airport on a student visa.
After the alleged murder, authorities claim Batchigari boarded a flight from Houston aimed at reaching India with a layover in Germany, where he was arrested following an FBI alert to local authorities.
Batchigari is accused of first-degree murder for the death of 19-year-old Julissa Salazar. The FBI is working to extradite him to Arizona to face charges. Salazar was found strangled in an off-campus apartment near the University of Arizona.
Investigators allege Batchigari took Salazar’s phone and credit cards, then sent text messages to her mother posing as Salazar in an effort to hide the crime. These messages caused concern, leading to a welfare check that revealed Salazar’s death.
A warrant describes escalating violence and personal issues leading up to the murder. It includes allegations of past violent behavior and a troubled relationship.
Witnesses reported that Salazar moved out due to problems with Batchigari, intending to end the relationship amidst claims of domestic violence. One witness alleged Batchigari sexually assaulted her at a party but didn’t report it.
Batchigari’s expulsion from the University of Arizona and subsequent job loss led to financial strain, affecting his visa status. Despite these troubles, federal records indicated he maintained lawful immigration status at the time of the alleged murder.
Authorities are investigating why his immigration status remained unchanged given the requirement for international students to be enrolled to maintain their legal position.
The Tucson Police Department shared that no further updates were available, and attempts to confirm enrollment history with the University of Arizona have not received responses yet.