Chicago — A lifeguard employed by the Chicago Park District has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a shooting that left two teenagers injured, one fatally, near Douglass Park’s swimming pool. Charles Leto, 55, faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder after the incident occurred Thursday evening.
According to authorities, the shooting took place around 7 p.m. as the boys, ages 14 and 15, were lingering in the park near a basketball court after the pool’s closure. Leto reportedly shot the 14-year-old, identified as Jeremy Herred, in the neck and the 15-year-old, Marjay Dotson, in the back. Emergency responders transported both teenagers to Stroger Hospital, where Dotson later succumbed to his injuries. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity, while Herred’s family shared that he was in surgery and still fighting for his life in intensive care.
Leto, a lifeguard at Douglass Park, was reportedly fixing his bicycle before the shooting began. The circumstances leading to the gunfire remain under investigation, though eyewitnesses suggest an altercation may have occurred moments before Leto opened fire. An attorney representing the victims’ families expressed disbelief over Leto’s actions, highlighting the absence of justification for such violence from a public employee sworn to ensure safety.
Rev. Marvin Hunter, a relative of Herred and Laquan McDonald, a victim of police violence in 2014, demands answers about why the lifeguard felt compelled to discharge his weapon. “It’s tragic that an individual who vowed to protect lives chose to endanger them instead,” he stated.
Witnesses allege that during the incident, Leto retrieved a handgun from his backpack and began shooting at the teenagers, both of whom were unarmed. Attorney Jeff Neslund described this claim of self-defense as “absurd,” noting that the teenagers were retreating when they were targeted. “We simply cannot comprehend how this occurred, especially when the victims posed no threat,” he remarked.
Security footage from the scene is currently being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Neslund plans to collaborate with the victims’ families to analyze the evidence and engage with city officials to ensure accountability.
In response to the shooting, the Chicago Park District issued a statement expressing sorrow for the tragedy and announcing the temporary closure of the Douglass Park pool. The District stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation moves forward and is offering crisis support services to staff and community members affected by the incident.
Leto is scheduled to appear in court soon, as the families seek justice in the wake of this horrific event. Community members are calling for accountability and answers, unsettled by the violence that unfolded in a place meant for recreation and safety.