CHICAGO — A Chicago Park District lifeguard has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder after allegedly opening fire on a group of teenagers near the Douglass Park swimming pool, killing one boy and seriously injuring another. Prosecutors also revealed he fired at a third teen, who narrowly escaped.
The incident happened Thursday evening around 7 p.m. near the pool at 1401 South Sacramento Drive in the North Lawndale neighborhood. The suspect, 55-year-old Charles Leto, was leaving work when the encounter unfolded.
Teen Killed, Another Injured, Third Targeted
According to prosecutors, Leto had a brief argument with one teenager as he left the pool. Moments later, while kneeling beside his bicycle near the pool’s parking lot to fix a chain, he was approached by 15-year-old Marjay Dotson, 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, and the third teen involved in the earlier exchange.
Without warning, Leto allegedly stood up, drew his firearm, and began firing.
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Marjay Dotson was shot in the back and died at the scene.
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Jeremy Herred was shot in the neck. He remains hospitalized in critical condition with a shattered vertebra and a severed artery, according to Assistant State’s Attorney Danny Hanichak.
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A third teen was fired upon while backing away with his hands up but was not struck.
Prosecutors Dispute Self-Defense Claim
During Sunday’s detention hearing, prosecutors emphasized that Leto — a concealed carry permit holder and Marine Corps veteran — was not provoked and acted with lethal intent. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the teens walking peacefully before Leto pulled out his weapon.
Leto’s attorney, Jayne Ingles, claimed that the lifeguard acted in self-defense after being threatened by a group of up to ten teenagers. But prosecutors pushed back, asserting that video evidence contradicts Leto’s version of events.
Judge Luciano Panici, Jr. ordered Leto held without bail, stating, “As a trained military veteran, he should have known better.”
Surveillance Footage Sparks Outrage
The incident was captured by nearby surveillance cameras, and CWBChicago was the first outlet to release the disturbing footage. In the video, Leto is seen shooting both Marjay and Jeremy. The clip ends just before the third shot is fired at the teen who managed to escape.
The video has since gone viral, sparking community anger and renewed discussions about gun access, mental health, and youth safety in public parks.
Community Response and Legal Fallout
Community activists have criticized the Park District for hiring armed employees and called for a review of policies surrounding concealed carry among staff. Parents and local residents have gathered for vigils, mourning the loss of Marjay and praying for Jeremy’s recovery.
Meanwhile, legal experts say the case could become a flashpoint in Illinois’ broader debates around gun control, juvenile justice, and public employee conduct.
Key Questions Raised by the Shooting
This tragedy has sparked critical questions that Chicago residents and policymakers are now grappling with:
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Why was a lifeguard permitted to carry a firearm while working at a public pool?
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What training — if any — was provided for handling conflicts with minors?
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How will the Park District respond to concerns about staff safety and accountability?
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Are community pools adequately supervised and resourced to prevent such incidents?
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Should the city reassess concealed carry allowances in public facilities?
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Charles Leto has been charged with:
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First-degree murder
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Attempted first-degree murder
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Aggravated battery with a firearm
Prosecutors say additional charges may be forthcoming depending on Jeremy’s medical outcome and further evidence.
The Chicago Police Department and Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the case. Witnesses and members of the public are encouraged to come forward with any information.
Were you at Douglass Park that day? Do you believe concealed carry should be allowed for city staff on duty? Share your thoughts in the comments or explore more community safety coverage at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
