Douglass Park shooting: Families of 2 teens shot filing lawsuit against former Chicago Park District lifeguard Charles Leto
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Park District and a former lifeguard are now facing a lawsuit for a shooting that happened in Douglass Park.

The civil lawsuit was filed by the mothers of the two teens against the now former Chicago Park District lifeguard Charles Leto, who is accused of targeting them.

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

The wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit accuses Leto of willful violence and also names the Chicago Park District, claiming negligence on the part of park district officials who didn’t fire Leto following a shooting incident he was involved in months earlier.

Marjay Dotson, 15, died in the June attack and relatives say 14-year old Jeremy Herred is now a quadriplegic after being shot by Leto.

RELATED: Lifeguard charged in Douglass Park shooting improperly brought gun to work, prosecutors say

Leto is charged with murder and attempted murder in the shooting that happened at the Douglass Park pool.

Leto has claimed he acted in self-defense and accused the boys of threatening him as they allegedly tried to steal his bike.

Most of the shooting was caught by a park district security camera.

SEE ALSO | Video shows what led up to Douglass Park shooting that killed teen, injured Laquan McDonald’s cousin

Back in 2023, Leto avoided arrest after allegedly being involved in a Lakeview neighborhood shooting of two dogs that required a swat team response.

ABC7 reached out to the Chicago Park District for a response to the suit.

Since the shooting incident, the Chicago Park District says its continuing to make reforms including expanded safety training, increased security along with better tracking of tracking of disciplinary actions and patron complaints.

READ MORE | Lifeguard charged after teens shot at Douglass Park improperly brought gun to work, prosecutors say

The teens’ families and their lawyers plan to share more details about the lawsuit later Wednesday.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
US to streamline Pentagon's weapons acquisition amid global threats

US to Enhance Pentagon’s Weapons Acquisition Process in Response to Global Threats

WASHINGTON — On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set…
National airspace system status: Chicago's O'Hare, Midway among airports to have flight capacity reduced by FAA due to shutdown

FAA Reduces Flight Capacity at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Amid National Airspace Adjustments

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to…
Wrestling fans shocked to learn WWE star's real age

Unveiling the Truth: WWE Fans Stunned by Superstar’s Real Age Revelation

In a surprising revelation, a popular WWE star has left pro-wrestling fans…
Elementary school teacher paid out after being shot in class by boy, 6

Elementary School Teacher Receives Settlement After Being Shot by 6-Year-Old Student

An elementary school teacher who endured a shooting incident in her classroom…
Gavin Newsom's secret past he's so desperate to hide

Uncover the Hidden Chapter in Gavin Newsom’s Life He’d Rather Keep Under Wraps

It seems we’re witnessing a curious narrative shift from California Governor Gavin…
Green Cove Springs' Mike Null appointed interim city manager

Mike Null Steps In as Interim City Manager for Green Cove Springs

City Manager Steve Kennedy is set to be honored for his retirement…
'Big Short' Michael Burry's $1bn crash bet pays off as stocks implode

Michael Burry’s $1 Billion Crash Bet: How the ‘Big Short’ Visionary Profited from the Stock Market Meltdown

The financial analyst who foresaw the 2008 economic collapse might soon be…
Community effort saves Veterans Day event at Fort Custer amid shutdown

Local Heroes Unite to Preserve Veterans Day Celebration at Fort Custer Despite Shutdown Challenges

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) As the federal government shutdown lingers, its impacts…