CHICAGO — A 15-year-old boy is dead and a 14-year-old remains hospitalized after a shooting at Douglass Park Thursday evening, where the alleged gunman is now identified as a Chicago Park District employee. The younger victim has been confirmed as a cousin of Laquan McDonald, the teen whose 2014 police killing sparked national outrage and reform.
The shooting unfolded just after 7 p.m. near the basketball court by the pool in the 1500 block of South Sacramento Drive, shortly after the pool had closed for the day, according to Chicago police.
Lifeguard Allegedly Opened Fire Without Warning
Both teens were near the pool area when an unknown male shooter suddenly opened fire. A Chicago Fire Department source told CBS Chicago that the suspect — a Park District lifeguard — had been fixing a bike moments before he stood up and began shooting.
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The 14-year-old was struck in the neck and remains in serious condition at Stroger Hospital following emergency surgery.
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The 15-year-old, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Marjay Dotson, was shot in the back and later succumbed to his injuries.
Family members of the surviving teen confirmed to reporters that he is Laquan McDonald’s cousin. His condition remains serious, but stable as of Friday.Motivation Still Unknown as Investigation Continues
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and as of Friday evening, no formal charges had been filed. The Chicago Park District confirmed that the person taken into custody is indeed an employee and stated they are cooperating fully with the Chicago Police Department’s Area 4 detectives, who continue to lead the investigation.
“The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park. We continue to cooperate… and are working with the Chicago Department of Public Health to offer crisis support services,” the agency said in a statement.
Immediate Impact on Community and Park Services
In response to the shooting, the Douglass Park pool was closed Friday, though the fieldhouse remained open and programming continued as scheduled. Mayor Brandon Johnson, Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, and Ald. Monique Scott visited the park Friday morning to meet with impacted staff and campers.
The community has responded with shock and grief, especially given the Park District employee’s alleged involvement. The shooting not only resulted in a young life lost but also raised urgent concerns about hiring practices, mental health support, and gun access for city employees.
Should Chicago reevaluate how it screens city workers — especially those working around youth? Join the conversation at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and tell us how safety should be improved at public parks.
