The Venezuelan national, Jose Medina-Medina, accused of murdering 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman, appeared in court from a hospital bed via Zoom. His absence from the Cook County courtroom followed a reported seizure, according to his defense attorney.

Medina-Medina, facing charges tied to the murder of the Loyola University freshman, was hospitalized after the incident over the weekend. The judge advised that Medina should attend the next hearing in person, provided he is physically capable.

Defense attorneys suggest Medina suffers from ongoing health issues, including seizures, attributed to a 2018 shooting in Colombia where he suffered a head injury.

Tensions rise as teens suspected of murder linked by DNA on shell casings, say prosecutors.

Prosecutors indicated progress in the murder investigation, stating they have provided further evidence, including DNA results related to the firearm at the crime scene. Additional trace evidence testing is pending, and there may be requests for further DNA analysis.

Beyond the murder case, Medina faces accusations of possessing a homemade weapon while in custody. Evidence in this separate charge includes pending body-camera and hospital surveillance footage.

The court scheduled the next status hearing for September 3. During this proceeding, Gorman’s family, who previously discussed their loss publicly, was not present.

Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University Chicago freshman, was tragically killed in March while walking with friends in Rogers Park, Chicago. Authorities allege Medina was the gunman in this incident. Since his arrest, Medina remains in custody, maintaining his innocence regarding the charges.