Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

April 3, 2026/Newspaper Staff/

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm.

A federal complaint filed on Thursday said Venezuelan citizen Jose Medina Medina, 25, was in the United States illegally when Chicago police discovered the weapon during a court-authorized search of his residence on the city’s North Side.

Medina is charged with murder and other offenses in connection with the death of Sheridan Gorman on March 19.

MAN SENTENCED CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER’S MURDER

A man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to killing Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston during an armed robbery spree in 2023.

Cook County Judge Adrienne Davis sentenced Joseph Brooks, 22, on Thursday. Cases remain pending for Brooks’ three codefendants.

ILLINOIS COMPANIES HELP POWER ARTEMIS MISSION

The Technology & Manufacturing Association says several Illinois companies made contributions to the NASA Artemis II mission that launched on Wednesday.

The group recognized Acme Industrial and Otto Engineering, both based in Carpentersville, and Orion Industries of Chicago for advancing America’s journey into outer space.

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