CHICAGO — A lifeguard has been ordered to remain in custody ahead of his trial for a shooting that left a 15-year-old boy dead and another teen seriously injured at Douglass Park. Charles Leto, 55, faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.
During his first court appearance, a judge noted concerns about Leto’s judgment and determined he poses a threat to public safety. Authorities allege that Leto intentionally targeted the two teens in an incident that escalated over a dispute related to the park’s closing time.
According to prosecutors, the conflict arose after Leto exchanged words with a third teenager, who was upset by the pool’s closure. Leto allegedly fired his weapon, striking a 14-year-old, whose family identified him as Jeremy Herred, a cousin of Laquan McDonald, a victim of police violence in 2014. Herred sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was hospitalized in serious condition.
The other victim, 15-year-old Marjay Dotson, was shot in the back and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Cook County Medical Examiner has ruled Dotson’s death a homicide. Family members of both teens expressed their grief and frustration, with some calling for additional charges against Leto, suggesting the possibility of a hate crime.
Leto’s defense attorney claimed her client acted in self-defense, alleging that he was threatened and that the teens had attempted to steal his bike prior to the shooting. The attorney emphasized Leto’s status as a decorated Marine veteran and noted ongoing challenges he faced while working at the park.
However, authorities stressed that Leto’s actions violated Chicago Park District regulations prohibiting firearms on park property. The shooting occurred Thursday evening in the 1400 block of South Sacramento Drive, prompting a police investigation that revealed Leto had a valid firearm owner’s identification card and a concealed carry license.
Reverend Robin Hood, a local pastor whose granddaughter knows the teens involved, voiced concerns about the presence of firearms in public spaces. “It just doesn’t make sense to have a gun at a pool,” he remarked, reflecting community fears surrounding gun violence.
No statements were made by the families of the shooting victims following the detention hearing. However, they gathered to support one another and prayed for healing and justice in the wake of this tragic event. Leto is scheduled for his next court appearance on Tuesday, where further proceedings will unfold in this high-profile case.