The man accused of killing a Loyola University student from Yorktown pleaded not guilty in a Chicago courtroom on Wednesday.
Sheridan Gorman's parents and her family's supporters were in attendance, all holding different pictures of her.
"Our family will be here every single step of the way," said Sheridan Gorman's father, Thomas Gorman.
Jose Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan migrant, is charged with first-degree murder.
"An arraignment is not justice," said Thomas Gorman.
Chicago police say Sheridan Gorman was walking with friends along a pier when Medina stepped out and opened fire on March 19, killing her.
Medina is also facing a federal gun charge, on top of the state charges.
His defense attorney has stated that Medina has the mentality of a child.
The Gorman family says they plan to attend every court date in Chicago.
"Let me tell you what this actually looks like. It's an empty seat at the table. It's silence where there used to be laughter. It's waking up every day knowing that your child is gone and nothing is going to change that," said Thomas Gorman.
"Our daughter was beautiful on the inside and out. She really mattered. We're going to get justice for her," said Sheridan Gorman's mother, Jessica.
Medina's next court date is scheduled for June 1.