Lifeguard Charles Leto, 55, charged with murder after Laquan McDonald's cousin shot, Marjay Dotson killed at Douglass Park: report
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

The ABC7 I-Team obtained a police report revealing that the suspected shooter is employed as a lifeguard with the Chicago Park District. The report also mentions that the lifeguard possessed a license to carry a concealed weapon.

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.

According to the police report, the lifeguard got into a confrontation with some teenagers because he suspected them of attempting to steal his bicycle, which allegedly led him to fire his weapon at them.

Leto has been charged with firs-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.

Relatives stated that the 14-year-old involved, Jeremy Herred, is related to Laquan McDonald, who was fatally shot by Chicago police in 2014. His uncle, Pastor Marvin Hunter, leads the Grace Memorial Baptist Church. The family told ABC7 that Jeremy is a sophomore at UIC Prep and had visited the pool only two or three times before.

“We will get to the bottom of this. We will get justice for Jeremy,” attorney Jeff Nesland 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,” Nesland 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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Night to Shine brings joy and royal treatment to First Coast guests with special needs

Night to Shine Delivers Unforgettable Royal Experience for First Coast Guests with Special Needs

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, thousands gathered at Jacksonville’s Prime…
Chaotic video shows passengers trading midair blows; plane forced to divert: reports

Midair Melee Forces Emergency Diversion: Shocking Passenger Brawl Disrupts Flight

Wild midair brawl breaks out on Jet2 flight In a dramatic turn…
Valentine's Day 'sextortion' warning: Criminals claiming to have inappropriate pictures of victims to demand money

Authorities Issue Alert on Valentine’s Day Sextortion: Criminals Exploit Intimate Photos for Ransom

This Valentine’s Day, ABC7’s I-Team is shedding light on a disturbing romance…
AI tool Claude helped capture Venezuelan dictator Maduro in US military raid operation: report

AI-Powered Operation: Claude Assists in Capturing Venezuelan Leader Maduro in US Military Raid

The U.S. military reportedly utilized Anthropic’s AI tool, Claude, during the high-profile…
Anti-ICE Mob Descends on Downtown Los Angeles As LAPD Forced to Call Tactical Alert

LA High School Students Skip Class to Join Anti-ICE Protest, Incident with Officer Reported

In various progressive urban centers across the nation, high school students have…
Arizona family sues hospital, says staff ‘Ubered’ sick son to sidewalk where he died

Arizona Family Files Lawsuit After Hospital Allegedly Sends Sick Son Home in Uber, Resulting in Tragic Death

An Arizona family is seeking justice and pushing for reforms after their…
'The Secret Agent' star Wagner Moura is making Oscars history: 'Beautiful moment for Brazilian culture'

Wagner Moura of ‘The Secret Agent’ Breaks New Ground at the Oscars: A Milestone for Brazilian Culture

LOS ANGELES — Wagner Moura has carved a niche in Oscars history,…
Teenager wins Olympic gold in speedskating's longest distance

Teen Prodigy Claims Olympic Gold in Speedskating Marathon Event

The Olympic champion outpaced the silver medalist by an impressive margin of…
Readers sound off on Stonewall’s flag, Hochul’s reign and ape intelligence

Debate Ignites Over Stonewall Flag, Governor Hochul’s Leadership, and Ape Intelligence Discoveries

An official flag for our cultural achievement Brooklyn: A “gay pride” flag…
Stefon Diggs arraignment: New England Patriots WR pleads not guilty to strangulation charges stemming from personal chef dispute

Stefon Diggs Arraignment: New England Patriots Wide Receiver Pleads Not Guilty to Strangulation Charges in Chef Dispute

In Boston, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs entered a plea…
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump honor Special Forces at Fort Bragg Friday for capture of Nicolás Maduro

President Trump and First Lady Melania Salute Special Forces at Fort Bragg for Capturing Nicolás Maduro

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — On Friday, President Donald Trump made his way…
Leon Rogers joins 'Windy City Weekend' to talk Valentine's Day 2026; preserve flowers with Vivian X Co.

Leon Rogers Joins ‘Windy City Weekend’ to Discuss Valentine’s Day 2026 and Floral Preservation with Vivian X Co.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Saturday marks one of the most cherished days of…