Chicago Park District Lifeguard Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting at Douglass Park
A tragic incident unfolded at the Douglass Park swimming pool in Chicago, where a Chicago Park District lifeguard, Charles Leto, has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder. The shooting occurred on Thursday evening, resulting in the death of 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critical injuries to 14-year-old Jeremy Herred.
During a detention hearing for Leto, prosecutors revealed that he also attempted to shoot a third teenage boy but missed. The altercation began when Leto, a 55-year-old concealed carry holder, got into a short argument with the teenagers as he was leaving his shift at the pool. Moments later, Leto stopped to fix his bike chain near the pool parking lot, where the tragic events unfolded.
According to prosecutors, Leto suddenly drew a pistol and fired at the teenagers without provocation. The first shot struck Marjay in the back, fatally wounding him. Leto then targeted Jeremy, who was standing at a distance, hitting him in the neck. Jeremy sustained severe injuries, including a shattered vertebra and a severed artery in his neck.
Leto also fired towards the third boy, who had his hands in the air, backing away from the lifeguard. Despite claims of self-defense by Leto’s defense attorney, surveillance footage contradicts his version of events.
Following the hearing, Judge Luciano Panici, Jr. ordered Leto’s detention, emphasizing that the Marine Corps veteran should have known better. The shocking video of the shooting, initially released by CWBChicago, captures the tragic incident in full detail.
For the complete video of the shooting, visit here.
Stay informed with original reporting that is supported by our readers. Click here to support our work.
