Jose Medina-Medina, accused of killing Sheridan Gorman, now faces additional federal charges for illegal weapon possession while detained at Cook County Jail. This highlights concerns about justice for victims like Gorman, whose family noted the accused’s emotionless demeanor in court. The murder appeared premeditated according to their recount.
In a separate case, Varun Batchigari is accused of murdering his teenage girlfriend, Julissa Salazar, in Arizona. Authorities allege Batchigari attempted to cover his tracks and flee. Batchigari, 20, an Indian national, entered the U.S. on a student visa in January 2024. Following the alleged murder, he boarded a flight to India with a stop in Germany, where he was arrested after an FBI alert.
The FBI seeks to extradite Batchigari back to Arizona to face a first-degree murder charge. Investigators claim Salazar was strangled in an off-campus apartment near the University of Arizona. It’s alleged Batchigari took Salazar’s phone and credit cards, sending messages to her mother to mask the crime. Concerns led to a welfare check revealing her body.
A warrant highlights escalating violence and relationship issues before Salazar’s death. Witnesses say Salazar planned to end the relationship due to domestic violence. They recounted prior violent behavior, including accusations of sexual assault during a Halloween party.
Batchigari was reportedly expelled from the University of Arizona after a fight and lost a job, leading to financial strain and visa concerns. Despite his expulsion, federal records indicate he retained lawful immigration status.
The Tucson Police Department spokesperson mentioned no new updates. Attempts to verify enrollment information with the University of Arizona were unanswered.