Tragedy struck a Chicago neighborhood when a nine-year-old girl was fatally shot while playing outside her apartment complex in Portage Park on Saturday, August 5,
The victim was identified as Sarabi Medina.
According to witnesses, the incident unfolded when a neighbor approached Sarabi’s father about the noise the children were making. In a shocking turn of events, the neighbor allegedly shot Sarabi in the head.
The father immediately intervened and engaged in a struggle with the suspect. During the scuffle, the gun went off, injuring the suspect above his left eye.
Sarabi was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where she was tragically pronounced dead. An autopsy performed by the Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed that she died from a gunshot wound to the head, and her death was classified as a homicide.
The suspect behind the shocking incident has been identified as 43-year-old Michael Goodman.
“It just didn’t make sense. None of it made sense,” neighbor Megan Kelle said. “Everybody in the community would just tell him they are just kids having fun playing. Just let them be.”
“Before he shot her, he had said something about them being too loud,” Kelle added.
“He ran over there, football-tackled this guy,” community activist Andrew Holmes added.
After being transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center for his injuries, Goodman’s condition was reported as critical.
He has since been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement.
Sadly, this wasn’t the first encounter Sarabi’s family had with violence in the city. Her mother was also shot and killed in 2018, compounding the family’s grief.
In memory of Sarabi, neighbors have adorned a tree near her home with flowers and stuffed animals. Remembered as a joyful child who adored her mother and dog,
Sarabi’s tragic passing has left the community deeply saddened. She was known for her love of riding her scooter and for the warmth she brought to her surroundings.
Witnesses have stated that Sarabi and the other children were not making excessive noise prior to the shooting, simply enjoying innocent playtime. The motive behind Goodman’s reaction to the children’s noise remains unknown.
In a weekend marred by violence, the Chicago Police Department reported 27 shooting victims over the span of Friday evening through Sunday night. This unfortunate incident sheds light on the broader issue of gun violence in the city.
Sarabi, who was on the brink of starting fourth grade at Reinberg Elementary School, leaves behind a community mourning the loss of a bright and promising young life.
