Lifeguard Charles Leto, 55, charged with murder after Laquan McDonald's cousin shot, Marjay Dotson killed at Douglass Park: report
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — A lifeguard has now been charged with murder and attempted murder after two teens were shot at a West Side park Thursday night.

Family members said a cousin of Laquan McDonald was wounded in the shooting at 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. That police report said the lifeguard had a concealed carry license.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

The suspect, 55-year-old Charles Leto, is now facing multiple charges, Chicago police announced Saturday.

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

The shooting happened around 7:03 p.m. Thursday in the 1400-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.

Leto has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery and discharged of a firearm, police said.

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, Jeremy Herred, is cousins with Laquan McDonald, who was killed by Chicago police in 2014. His uncle is Pastor Marvin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church. His family told ABC7 he is a sophomore at UIC Prep and had only been to the pool two or three times.

“We will get to the bottom of this. We will get justice for Jeremy,” attorney Jeff Neslund said.

Herred’s family said the teen is making some signs of improvement, but the gunshot would to the neck is a very critical injury.

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. He was later identified as Marjay Dotson by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, who ruled his death a homicide from a gunshot wound to the back.

According to the police report obtained by the I-Team, the lifeguard, who is a CCL holder, claimed to officers that the teens attacked and followed him, and tried to steal his bike, and that he was defending himself.

“There is absolutely no justification to shoot a child in the back anywhere, let alone a public pool or park,” Neslund said.

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.”

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three People Hurt in Shooting After Fight Erupts at Jacksonville Westside Bar, Police Report

A confrontation that began inside a restaurant escalated when the alleged shooter…
Landlord allegedly kills 71-year-old tenant, hides body in barrel on Washington property

Shocking Discovery: Landlord Accused of Murdering Elderly Tenant and Concealing Body in Barrel in Washington

Authorities are investigating a chilling case in Washington after a landlord is…
Inventor of subtle car feature that has helped drivers dies aged 80

Revolutionary Car Feature Innovator Passes at 80: Celebrating a Legacy of Safer Driving

James Moylan, the visionary behind the small yet significant dashboard arrow indicating…
Native American tribe claims part of Sunrise Highway illegal

Native American Tribe Challenges Legality of Sunrise Highway Ownership: A Bold Call for Justice

A Native American tribe based on Long Island is challenging the legality…
Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91

From Iconic 60s Star to Fierce Animal Advocate: Remembering Brigitte Bardot’s Legacy at 91

In 1969, Brigitte Bardot’s striking features were chosen to embody “Marianne,” the…
Selena Gomez steps out after first Christmas with Benny Blanco

Selena Gomez Enjoys Outing Following Her First Christmas Celebration with Benny Blanco

After enjoying her first Christmas with husband Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez indulged…
Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s deadly attacks finally drew global attention after Trump’s intervention

Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s Lethal Attacks Captured Global Focus Following Trump’s Intervention

JOHANNESBURG: As Christmas unfolds, millions of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa face threats…
'Diff'rent Strokes' actress Melanie Watson has died

Actress Melanie Watson of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Fame Passes Away

Melanie Watson, celebrated for her memorable role in the 1980s sitcom “Diff’rent…