CHICAGO — A 55-year-old lifeguard has been charged with murder after surveillance video captured him shooting two teenagers near the Douglass Park pool Thursday evening, leaving one dead and another gravely injured. Prosecutors confirmed the charges just hours after the footage surfaced publicly online.
Charges Filed Following Shocking Video Footage
On Saturday evening, Charles Leto, a Lakeview resident and employee at the Douglass Park pool, was formally 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
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Aggravated discharge of a firearm toward an occupied vehicle
Leto is expected to appear at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse for a detention hearing on Sunday afternoon.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 7:03 p.m. Thursday near the park’s basketball courts and swimming pool at 1401 South Sacramento.
Victims Identified: One Teen Dead, Another in Surgery
According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, 15-year-old Marjay Dotson died after suffering a gunshot wound to the back.
A second victim, 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, survived the shooting and underwent emergency surgery for a gunshot wound to the neck. Herred was publicly identified by his family following the attack.
What Surveillance Footage Reveals
Surveillance footage obtained by CWBChicago shows Leto kneeling beside an overturned bicycle on a sidewalk just off a parking lot when the teens — accompanied by a third individual and a woman — approached from several yards away.
Without audio, the footage shows Leto rising from his position before firing directly at the boys. One was hit while standing on grass; the other was shot while walking on the pavement. Police say Leto was detained at the scene.
In a police report, Leto claimed the boys “attacked” him as he worked on his bike. He also stated he possessed a concealed carry license, a fact later confirmed by the Chicago Tribune.
Questions Mount Around Use of Force and Self-Defense Claim
Though Leto told police he acted in self-defense, officials say none of the victims were armed, and investigators are reviewing video and witness statements to determine whether the shooting was justified or avoidable.
The shooting occurred in the middle of a public park with children, families, and lifeguards nearby, raising public safety concerns as Chicago heads into the heart of summer.
The Park District has not yet responded to inquiries about Leto’s employment status, his background, or whether he had reported prior altercations at the site.
Ongoing Investigation and Court Proceedings
Authorities say a full criminal complaint will be presented during Sunday’s court appearance. Community leaders and anti-violence advocates are calling for increased transparency, particularly regarding background checks and behavioral screenings for park staff in roles involving youth.
The surveillance clip, though disturbing, has been shared widely and is seen as key evidence. View the edited version here:
🔗 Watch the video (Viewer discretion advised)
Have you or someone you know been impacted by violence in public spaces like Douglass Park? Share your thoughts or safety concerns in the comments or visit ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com for more coverage, updates, and crime prevention resources across our city’s parks and neighborhoods.
