CHICAGO — A Chicago Park District lifeguard charged in a fatal shooting involving two teenagers last week is now being linked to a disturbing past incident involving animal cruelty, according to a neighbor who claims he shot her dogs in 2023.
Charles Leto, 55, is currently facing multiple felony charges — including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated discharge of a firearm — in connection with a deadly shooting that took place Thursday evening in Douglass Park.
Deadly Confrontation in Douglass Park
Prosecutors allege that Leto fatally shot 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critically wounded 14-year-old Jeremy Herred during an altercation that reportedly began when Leto became upset about his bicycle being moved. Authorities say the teenagers did not threaten Leto or possess any weapons.
Dotson was struck in the lower back while walking away from Leto, and Herred — identified as a cousin of Laquan McDonald, whose 2014 police shooting drew national attention — was shot in the neck. Herred’s injuries were described as life-threatening, with a bullet shattering his vertebrae and severing a major artery.
Neighbor Claims Prior Shooting of Dogs
The charges prompted Jacqui Korvas Michels, a former neighbor of Leto in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, to come forward with claims that he shot her two dogs in 2023 — killing one and injuring the other.
She said Leto exited his apartment, saw her dogs in an alley near her garage, went back inside, grabbed a gun, and began shooting at the animals. “God knows what else he’s gotten away with,” she told CBS News Chicago.
SWAT Response but No Charges in 2023
Following that incident, a SWAT team was deployed to the Lakeview area to investigate. According to Michels, helicopters hovered over the neighborhood for hours, fearing an active shooter situation.
Despite the dramatic police response, Leto was not charged or cited. He reportedly told officers he shot the dogs because he felt threatened.
“I feel horrible for these families,” Michels said, referencing the recent Douglass Park victims. “The man should not be able to have a conceal and carry.”
Surviving Dog Still Suffering
One of Michels’ dogs, Oakie, survived the 2023 shooting but required extensive veterinary care and multiple surgeries. The dog still struggles to walk.
“They had to reconstruct part of his paws and teach him how to stand again,” Michels said.
She also alleged that Leto pointed the firearm at her during the dog shooting, though he has not faced legal consequences for that either.
Ongoing Legal and Public Scrutiny
Leto is now being held without bond as Cook County prosecutors build their case. A video from Thursday night reportedly shows Leto sitting on a bench near the pool when the teenagers passed by. Moments later, he stood up, pulled a gun, and opened fire.
Authorities have not said why Leto’s earlier incident didn’t lead to charges, and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has not responded to inquiries about it.
The violent events have prompted renewed scrutiny of Leto’s past and his ability to continue working with youth in public parks.
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