Chicago Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Shooting Death of 8-Year-Old Girl
CHICAGO (WLS) — A 43-year-old Chicago man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of an 8-year-old girl over the weekend. Michael Goodman, who lives in the same block where the shooting occurred, was arrested moments after fatally shooting Sarabi Medina, Chicago police said Monday.
The incident took place in the city’s Portage Park neighborhood on Saturday night. According to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Goodman approached a group of people in the 3500-block of North Long Avenue at around 9:40 p.m. He then shot Medina in the head on the sidewalk outside her home.
Medina’s father witnessed the shooting and attempted to stop the gunman. During the struggle, witnesses reported that the gunman was hit in the face with a bullet from his own gun, which was later recovered by the police at the scene.
The young girl was rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition but tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Goodman was also taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.
A memorial has been set up for Medina, who had been riding her scooter and had just gotten ice cream moments before the shooting. The community is devastated by the loss and the senseless act of violence.
“You killed an innocent child, an innocent baby girl for what reason? Now these parents have to mourn their baby and everything else, and every time they turn around and look, they’ll know it was across the street. Nobody’s going to let their kids come around here and play. People aren’t going to take their kids to this park because they are terrified. We just wanted to pay our respects to her and to her family. But it’s just crazy,” said Sue Kyser, a neighbor.
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. Those who knew Medina, affectionately known as ”Bibi,” said she was excited to start fourth grade and was looking forward to going back to school.
“No one should watch their kid get shot in front of them. That is wrong as a society,” said activist Flash ABC.
Tragically, this is not the first time the family has experienced such a devastating loss. Medina’s mother, 29-year-old Blanca Miranda, was shot and killed in 2018. The family had moved to their Portage Park apartment shortly after her death.
The incident has left many in the neighborhood shaken, with some considering moving for the safety of their families.
“It just tears me up. It really does. I just can’t get it out of my mind, just senseless,” said Joe, a neighbor.
Alex George, who lives down the street with his wife and child, expressed similar concerns. “We’re thinking about moving. Unfortunately, we have to think of our family and what’s best for us,” he said.
Goodman is scheduled to appear in bond court on Monday. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Residents are encouraged to use the Interactive Safety Tracker to stay informed about crime and safety in their neighborhood.
How is the Portage Park community rallying together to support Medina’s family during this difficult time and take a stand against the violence that continues to plague the city
St celebrated her eighth birthday just days before the tragic incident. Family, friends, and community members have been leaving flowers, teddy bears, and heartfelt messages at the memorial, mourning the loss of an innocent life.
Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting. Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown announced that they believe the incident was a result of a ongoing dispute between the suspect and Medina’s family. However, they are not releasing any further details at this time. Goodman is expected to appear in court later this week.
Community leaders and activists are speaking out against the ongoing gun violence in Chicago and calling for stricter gun control laws. They are demanding action to prevent future tragedies like this from happening. Many are also urging community members to come forward with any information that may help in the ongoing investigation.
The Portage Park community is coming together to support Medina’s family during this difficult time. A candlelight vigil is planned for this evening, where community members will gather to remember the young girl and stand against the violence that continues to plague the city.
The Chicago police department is asking anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward and provide any details that may aid in the investigation. They have also increased patrols in the area to ensure the safety of residents.
The shooting of an innocent child has sent shockwaves through the community, reminding everyone of the urgent need to address the root causes of gun violence and work towards creating safer neighborhoods for all. The loss of Sarabi Medina has left a void in the lives of her loved ones, and her memory will be cherished by those who knew her.
