Video shows what led up to Chicago shooting at Douglass Park that killed Marjay Dotson, injured Laquan McDonald's cousin
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — New video shows what led up to a deadly shooting at a popular West Side park last week.

CWB Chicago shared surveillance video it obtained of the shooting just after 7 p.m. Thursday at Douglass Park.

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

The video shows the teens walking near Charles Leto, 55, a Chicago Park District lifeguard, and his bike.

Leto is then seen getting up and pointing a gun at one of the teens.

There’s no sound on the video, and ABC7 Chicago froze the video before the gunfire begins.

Marjay Dotson, 15, was killed and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, the cousin of Laquan McDonald, is still in the hospital.

Prosecutors say the Marine veteran purposely targeted the boys.

Leto’s defense attorney argued that the shootings were a reaction to provocation, as Leto acted in self-defense after the teenagers allegedly threatened him and expressed intent to steal his bicycle.

The lawyer mentioned that her client, a highly honored veteran, continued his employment at the park despite previous incidents that she claims prompted several other lifeguards to resign.

Leto’s lawyer claims the teens had already damaged his bike when they tried to steal it.

Leto’s attorneys also said he is a dedicated advocate for preserving Douglass Pool as an important community resource.

Officials reported that Leto shot at the teenagers following an exchange with a third teenager who was displeased about the pool’s closure. The third teenager was not harmed during the incident.

Leto has a concealed-carry license, but prosecutors say he violated park district policy, by bringing that gun to work.

Leto accused of shooting dogs in 2023

A Lakeview woman said Monday that Leto also shot her dogs, killing one, in 2023.

Oakie is a roughly 5-year-old Lab mix.

He seems a bit older than his years, as he had to endure five surgeries after he was shot four times.

Oakie’s owner says she saw the person who shot her dogs two years ago in the news again.

“All I know it that he killed my dog and tried to kill the other one and apparently he’s still on a hunt, shot two helpless teenager boys, which is disgusting,” Jacqui Korvas Michels said.

In February of 2023, Chicago Police SWAT teams responded to 1000 W. George St. A gunman shot two dogs. One dog died.

According to a police report obtained by the ABC-7 I-Team, a man by the same name, listed at the same address as the Douglass Park shooting suspect was involved in the shooting of two dogs in 2023 in Lakeview.

The dogs’ owner also identified the shooter as the same Charles Leto accused in the Douglass Park shooting.

The 2023 report described Leto “in fear of his life.” Leto had a concealed-carry license, and was not charged.

“It was very consistent. When he shot my dogs, how he felt threatened, they are not threatening,” Korvas Michels said. “Those boys weren’t threatening anybody; they were running away. That’s sick. How do you rationalize shooting dogs and children?”

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

He had his first court appearance Sunday, where he was ordered detained, pending trial. A judge said he showed a lack of judgment and is a danger to the community.

The Chicago Park District has put Leto on an unpaid, emergency suspension.

He’s due back in court Tuesday.

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
Pope Leo opts to share papal residence with four associates, breaking with tradition

Pope Leo Breaks Tradition by Sharing Papal Residence with Four Associates

Pope Leo XIV is introducing changes at the Vatican by choosing to…
Family photo of four people.

Wife Confesses Shocking Truth in Tragic Videos Before Family is Found Dead

ALARMING details have emerged about the final days of the four family…
Woman kicks Southwest employee, punches computer monitors in violent airport meltdown

Woman Assaults Southwest Staff, Damages Computers During Chaotic Airport Incident

<!–> Woman’s wild airport tirade caught on camera An incident at Orlando…
Jeanine Pirro says people who carry rifles, shotguns in DC will no longer face felony charges

Jeanine Pirro Claims Possessing Rifles and Shotguns in DC Won’t Be a Felony Anymore

Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have decided to stop pursuing felony charges…
Jossimar Cabrera dragging what is believed to be his wife in a tarp or sheet

California Woman Discovered Deceased in National Forest; Husband Spotted Hauling Large Tarp

A woman from California was discovered deceased in a national forest, just…
Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger demands prison transfer after complaining of inmate threats

Idaho Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger Requests Prison Transfer Due to Inmate Threats

Bryan Kohberger, the former criminology Ph.D. student who murdered four University of…
NYPD welcomes nearly 1,100 recruits to academy – largest class in almost a decade

NYPD Enrolls Largest Academy Class in Nearly a Decade with Nearly 1,100 New Recruits

The NYPD has recently welcomed approximately 1,100 new recruits to its police…
World Boxing to require sex testing for women's division

World Boxing to Implement Gender Verification for Women’s Competitions

The tests identify the presence or absence of Y chromosome genetic material…
Judge Frank Caprio smiling in his courtroom.

Renowned ‘America’s Nicest Judge’ Frank Caprio Passes Away at 88 Following Cancer-Related Health Challenges

BELOVED Justice Frank Caprio, who became a social media sensation as the…
Vladimir Putin speaking at a press conference.

Putin Open to Direct Meeting with Zelensky, Says Lavrov, But Notes That ‘Details Still Need Resolution’

VLADIMIR Putin is prepared to meet Ukraine’s President Zelensky, according to a…
Trail grows cold in manhunt for survivalist father as authorities reach breaking point: 'I'm still angry'

Fresh Crime Scene Insights Unveiled in Search for Father Accused of Killing Three Daughters

Authorities have released new details in the manhunt for the Washington father…
Reporter having phone stolen on live TV.

Thrilling Live TV Moment: Reporter Robbed by Phone Snatcher on Bike

THIS is the shocking moment a TV reporter is robbed by a…