A 43-year-old Chicago resident, Michael Goodman, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of a 9-year-old girl, Serabi Medina, in the city’s Portage Park neighborhood. The incident occurred on the same block where Goodman resides, and he was apprehended shortly after the shooting.
According to the Chicago police, Goodman approached a group of people on North Long Avenue around 9:40 p.m. on Saturday. He then shot Medina, who was on the sidewalk outside her home. When Medina’s father saw the gunman, he attempted to intervene. During the ensuing struggle, Goodman was reportedly hit in the face by a bullet from his own firearm, which was later recovered by the police at the scene.
Medina was rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Initially, the police reported Medina’s age as 8, but a family friend later confirmed that she was nine years old. Goodman was also taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition.
The community has been mourning the loss of Medina, who was playing on her scooter and had just bought ice cream moments before the tragic incident. A memorial has been growing in her honor, and a vigil was held on Monday evening. Relatives and neighbors are struggling to make sense of the senseless act of violence. A GoFundMe has also been set up to help offset funeral costs.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. However, the impact on the community is evident. Residents are fearful for their children’s safety, and some are even considering moving away. The incident has left a deep scar on the community, with many questioning the senseless act of violence against a child.
Medina, affectionately known as “Bibi,” was looking forward to starting fourth grade. This tragedy adds to the family’s sorrow, as Medina’s mother, Blanca Miranda, was also a victim of gun violence in 2018.
Goodman is expected to appear in bond court on Tuesday. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States, particularly its impact on children and teenagers.