Authorities have released new details and surveillance footage in connection with a deadly shooting near the Douglass Park swimming pool Thursday evening, which left a 15-year-old boy dead and another teenager critically injured.
The suspect, identified as 55-year-old Charles Leto of Lakeview, a Chicago Park District employee, has been formally charged with multiple felony counts.
The incident occurred around 7:03 p.m. in the 1400 block of South Sacramento Drive, shortly after the pool had closed for the day.
Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers and Fire Department personnel responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near the park’s basketball courts and pool area.
Upon arrival, officers found two teenage boys suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as 15-year-old Marjay Dotson, who sustained a gunshot wound to his back and was later pronounced dead, and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, who was shot in the neck and remains hospitalized in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery.
Herred’s family confirmed he is a cousin of Laquan McDonald, the 17-year-old whose 2014 death at the hands of a Chicago police officer sparked national protests.
Charles Leto, who is listed as a lifeguard or supervisor with the Chicago Park District, was detained at the scene.
According to a police report, Leto claimed the two teens “attacked” him while he was working on his bicycle and asserted that he was licensed to carry a concealed firearm.
Surveillance video obtained by investigators, though lacking audio, shows Leto kneeling beside an overturned bicycle near the parking lot.
As three teens approach from the sidewalk, a woman is also seen walking nearby.
Moments later, the video shows Leto suddenly rising and opening fire, striking the two teens.
Police say the shooting occurred just moments after the pool closed.
Eyewitness accounts and surveillance evidence contradict Leto’s claim of self-defense, and investigators have since charged him with the following:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated discharge of a firearm
Chicago Park District officials have confirmed Leto’s employment and said he was off-duty at the time of the incident.
In a statement, the Park District expressed its deep sorrow and announced the temporary closure of the Douglass Park pool “out of care and respect for the park staff and community members impacted by the tragedy.” Crisis support services are being provided through the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa and Alderman Monique Scott, visited the park on Friday to meet with staff and offer support to the affected community.
Leto remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Sunday.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact CPD or Crime Stoppers.
