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 shocking shooting death of an 8-year-old girl over the weekend. Michael Goodman, a resident of the same block where the incident occurred, was apprehended by authorities shortly after he fatally shot Sarabi Medina, according to Chicago police.
The tragic incident took place on Saturday around 9:40 p.m. in the city’s Portage Park neighborhood. CPD had earlier revealed that Goodman, known to the police, approached a group of individuals in the 3500-block of North Long Avenue. Without warning, he pointed his firearm at Medina and fired a single shot, hitting her in the head while she was on the sidewalk outside her home.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene where the young girl’s father attempted to intervene and stop the assailant. In an unexpected turn of events, the gunman accidentally shot himself in the face with his own weapon. Police swiftly recovered the firearm at the scene.
Medina was immediately rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition but tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Meanwhile, Goodman was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, also in critical condition.
As news of the devastating incident spread through the community, a growing memorial for the young girl has emerged. Friends and neighbors expressed their grief and outrage, highlighting the senselessness of her death. Sue Kyser, a nearby resident, voiced her frustration, saying, “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.”
The motive behind the tragic shooting is still unknown. Family and friends of Medina, affectionately known as “Bibi,” recall her vibrant personality and zest for life as she was preparing to enter fourth grade and eagerly anticipated the start of school.
Michael Goodman is scheduled to appear in bond court on Monday, where he will face charges of first-degree murder. The community remains shaken by the senseless act of violence that claimed the life of an innocent child.
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