A 55-year-old Chicago Park District lifeguard has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a tragic shooting that left one teenager dead and another critically injured at Douglass Park on Thursday evening.
The alleged gunman, identified as Charles Leto, now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery, and discharge of a firearm, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The shooting took place around 7:03 p.m. in the 1400 block of South Sacramento Drive in Douglass Park. Police said two teenagers were approached by an armed male suspect who opened fire.
One of the victims, 15-year-old Marjay Dotson, was shot in the back and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.
The second victim, 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, was shot in the neck and remains hospitalized in serious condition. Herred is the cousin of Laquan McDonald, the teenager fatally shot by a Chicago police officer in 2014.
Herred’s family told ABC7 that he is a sophomore at UIC Prep and had only visited the pool a few times. His uncle, Pastor Marvin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, shared that while Jeremy is showing slight improvement, the injury remains critical.
According to a police report obtained by ABC7’s I-Team, Leto, a lifeguard with the Park District, has a concealed carry license and claimed the shooting was an act of self-defense. He told police the teens had followed and attacked him, allegedly attempting to steal his bike.
However, a witness and the families of both teens deny that any altercation took place.
In a statement, attorney Jeffrey Neslund, who represents both families, said: “While no amount of justice can ever restore Marjay’s life or fully heal Jeremy’s wounds, the families take solemn relief that the justice system is now engaged with the announcement of criminal charges against the shooter.”
Dotson’s family created a memorial in Douglass Park shortly after charges were announced. “He was just 15,” a relative shared. “His bright spirit and loving heart touched us all. We cherish his memory forever.” The Chicago Park District responded with a statement Friday expressing deep sorrow over the incident.
“The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park,” the statement read, adding that the Douglass Park pool would be closed temporarily and crisis support services would be made available to staff and community members.