CHICAGO — A lifeguard charged in last week’s fatal shooting of a teenager outside the Douglass Park pool has a disturbing history — including shooting two dogs in Lakeview in 2023, according to sources and attorneys involved in the current case.
Charles Leto, 55, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly opening fire on three unarmed teens on June 27. Fifteen-year-old Marjay Dotson was shot in the back and killed, while 14-year-old Jeremy Herred was critically injured after being struck in the neck. A third teen, also 15, was not hit.
Shooting at Douglass Park Pool Sparks Public Outrage
The incident occurred just after 7 p.m., shortly after the pool had closed for the day. According to prosecutors, Leto had just finished his shift as a lifeguard when he got into an argument with the boys near his bicycle. Surveillance footage shows that one of the teens reached toward the bike — prompting Leto to draw a gun and fire.
Dotson was shot while turning away, while Herred — a relative of Laquan McDonald, the teen murdered by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014 — remains in intensive care.
Police say Leto called 911 afterward, claiming self-defense and alleging the boys attacked him. However, a judge rejected that argument and ordered him held without bail. Prosecutors confirmed the boys were unarmed, and no witnesses heard threats from them. There is no evidence they moved Leto’s bike.
Lakeview Dog Shooting Incident Raises Red Flags
Attorney Jeff Neslund, representing Herred’s family, said the shooting mirrors a previous violent outburst from Leto.
In February 2023, Leto allegedly shot two unleashed dogs in Lakeview — killing one and injuring the other. Their owner, Jacqui Michaels, told reporters her dogs merely barked at Leto before he unexpectedly pulled out a gun and opened fire.
“She was talking to neighbors when he walked up acting ‘weird,’” Michaels said. “The dogs didn’t lunge or growl — they barked once, and he shot.”
The incident led to a SWAT standoff and school lockdowns, but no charges were filed at the time. Leto later returned to work as a lifeguard — a decision now drawing heavy scrutiny.
Pattern of Aggression and Employer Accountability
Multiple neighbors described Leto as volatile and aggressive. One former Lakeview neighbor said he made tenants uncomfortable, especially those with pets.
“He’s always looking for an excuse to use his gun,” the neighbor said. “He used the same self-defense excuse then — and now again.”
Parents at both Douglass Park and Gill Park, where Leto worked previously, reported that he often yelled at children and appeared erratic.
The Chicago Park District confirmed Leto has been placed on unpaid emergency suspension, and disciplinary proceedings are underway.
Charges and Evidence Mounting
Leto’s backpack at the time of the pool shooting reportedly contained two loaded magazines, a Kevlar vest panel, and a satellite phone.
He faces multiple felony counts, including:
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First-degree murder
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Attempted murder
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Aggravated battery
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Aggravated discharge of a firearm
He remains in custody as he awaits trial.
Community Reacts and Demands Accountability
“This is a disturbed individual with a pattern of violent behavior,” Neslund said. “He never should have been supervising kids.”
Families impacted by the shooting are demanding answers from the Park District and greater accountability for public employees.
As the investigation continues, residents and legal advocates are asking whether enough was done to prevent this tragedy — and whether early warnings were ignored.
What do you think should change in the way lifeguards and public employees are vetted in Chicago? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
