Chicago shooting: Laquan McDonald's cousin wounded in Douglass Park shooting, allegedly by life guard, police report says
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Family members said a cousin of Laquan McDonald was wounded in a shooting in Douglass Park that left another teen dead.

According to a police report obtained by the ABC7 I-Team, the alleged gunman is a lifeguard with the Chicago Park District.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

According to that police report, the lifeguard had a concealed carry license.

The shooting happened around 7:03 p.m. in the 14000 block South Sacramento Drive in Douglass Park, Chicago police said.

The two teens were in the park when they were approached by an unknown armed male suspect who fired shots at them, police said.

The police report says the lifeguard got into an altercation with the teens after believing they were going to steal his bicycle and then allegedly fired at them.

A 14-year-old was shot in the neck and was taken to a hospital in serious condition, CPD said.

Family members said the 14-year-old is cousins with Laquan McDonald, who was killed by Chicago police in 2014. His uncle is Pastor Marvin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church.

The other victim, a 15-year-old boy, was shot in the back and was also hospitalized in serious condition. Police said he was later pronounced dead.

Mayor Brandon Johnson visited with staff, children and families at Douglass Park in light of Thursday’s shooting.

A spokesperson said the mayor, Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa and Alderwoman Monique Scott wanted to meet with staff and counselors – supporting the youth here at the fieldhouse as summer camps are continuing Friday morning.

The Chicago Park District issued a statement saying, “The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park. We continue to cooperate with the Chicago Police Department as they conduct their active investigation. The Park District has made the decision to close Douglass Park pool today out of care and respect for the park staff and community members impacted by yesterday’s events. The District is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health to offer crisis support services to the park staff and residents of the surrounding community.

“In spite of this tragic event, Douglass Park remains a safe and vibrant community anchor. The fieldhouse will be open today during normal operating hours and all programs will be held as scheduled. Additional Park security and other staff will be present throughout the day.

“The Park District understands the gravity of this situation. We have initiated a thorough internal review to understand what happened leading up to yesterday’s shooting and identify appropriate action.

“We are committed to supporting our staff, patrons, and the broader North Lawndale community during this difficult time. As we move forward, our focus remains on safety, and ensuring our parks continue to be places of peace, connection, and community.”

Police said no one is in custody and police are investigating.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
19-year-old charged with attempted murder of coworker at Oceanway McDonald's

Teenager Accused of Attempted Murder in Oceanway McDonald’s Incident

A 19-year-old named Malik McKinnon has been charged with shooting a coworker…
Luigi Mangione case: If stalking and assault aren’t ‘crimes of violence,’ death penalty vanishes

Luigi Mangione Case: Legal Definitions of Stalking and Assault Could Impact Death Penalty Eligibility

Luigi Mangione’s legal outcome might be influenced by a procedural nuance, as…
I had EIGHT miscarriages until I made a diet swap... now I have twins

After Eight Heartbreaking Miscarriages, a Simple Diet Change Led to the Joy of Twins

For years, Molly Brown embarked on a difficult journey to motherhood, facing…
Stream It Or Skip It? 

Should You Hit Play or Pass? Your Ultimate Streaming Decision Guide

Twinless (now available for streaming on Hulu) is a captivating and thought-provoking…
Air Force One forced to turn around shortly after Trump takes off for Davos

Air Force One Returns Mid-Flight After Departure for Davos with Trump Onboard

On Tuesday night, Air Force One encountered a “minor electrical issue,” prompting…
Trump seizes seventh Venezuela-linked oil tanker

Trump Confiscates Seventh Oil Tanker with Ties to Venezuela

In a significant intensification of its ‘maximum pressure’ strategy against Venezuela, the…
DHS alleges criminal illegal alien 'rammed law enforcement' in California operation, agent fired weapon

California Law Enforcement Confrontation: DHS Accuses Illegal Alien of Ramming Officers, Agent Discharges Weapon

A federal agent discharged his weapon in Southern California on Wednesday after…
Donald Trump, Greenland news: Former Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel explains price of Trump's pursuit of island

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Reveals Cost of Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a bold and contentious move, President Donald Trump…