Jose Medina-Medina, the suspect in the murder of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman, is now facing federal charges for possessing an illegal weapon inside Cook County Jail. Gorman’s family expressed their sorrow while observing Medina-Medina’s emotionless demeanor during court sessions, highlighting the premeditated aspect of the crime. The case underscores persistent issues surrounding victim justice.
In another separate case, Varun Batchigari is accused of murdering his teenage girlfriend in Arizona. Federal authorities claim Batchigari attempted to escape capture and flee the country. The 20-year-old Indian national entered the U.S. through Los Angeles International Airport on an F-1 student visa in January 2024. Following the alleged crime, he tried to fly to India from Houston but was arrested during a layover in Germany after FBI involvement.
Batchigari faces first-degree murder charges for the death of 19-year-old Julissa Salazar. Reports from Tucson police state Salazar was strangled inside an off-campus apartment near the University of Arizona. Investigations revealed that Batchigari took Salazar’s phone and credit cards after the murder. He allegedly sent messages to her family while pretending to be Salazar in an attempt to hide the crime. This led her family to request a welfare check that revealed her death.
The warrant details a history of escalating domestic violence and personal issues leading to Salazar’s death. Witnesses stated that Salazar intended to end her relationship with Batchigari due to ongoing problems and domestic violence. Additional allegations of violent behavior surfaced, including a witness accusing Batchigari of sexual assault at a Halloween event.
After being expelled from the University of Arizona, Batchigari faced financial difficulties, which may have affected his student visa status. Despite expulsion, records show his immigration status was lawful at the time of the alleged murder, questioning why his status remained unchanged. The Tucson Police Department confirmed no updates beyond public information have been released.
Batchigari’s enrollment status at the University of Arizona remains unverified, as confirmation is pending. The investigation continues, with Fox News Digital actively engaging the University for further details.