Chicago shooting suspect Charles Leto, a lifeguard, due in court for Douglass Park incident that killed Marjay Dotson, hurt cousin
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspected gunman in a deadly Douglass Park shooting is due in court on Tuesday.

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

Charles Leto, a Chicago lifeguard, is accused of shooting at two teenagers on Thursday.

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

The 55-year-old suspect now faces murder and attempted murder charges.

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

The video shows the teens allegedly walking near Leto 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.

In court, prosecutors argue that the Marine veteran targeted the boys.

Nonetheless, Leto’s defense attorney argued that he acted in self-defense, as he had been provoked by the teens who had threatened him and claimed they intended to steal his bike.

Leto was placed on an unpaid, emergency suspension by the Chicago Park District.

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

Authorities said this may not be the first time the Chicago man has been involved in a shooting.

A woman in Lakeview recognized Leto, she said that in February 2023 he shot her two dogs, killing one of them.

At the time, Leto, who has a valid conceal carry license, told investigators he was in fear of his life and was not charged.

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
Update: Horrifying Details Emerge About Alleged Capital Jewish Museum Shooter and His Victims

Coeur d’Alene Suspect Revealed, Was ‘Without Apparent Criminal Background’ According to County Sheriff

Additional information is coming to light regarding the individual who allegedly lured…
Michigan teacher, 26, facing charges after allegedly telling coworker she had sex with 16-year-old student

Michigan Teacher, 26, Accused of Inappropriate Conduct with 16-Year-Old Student

A former teacher at a Michigan charter school is accused of having…
Katy Perry tears up in emotional tour video after Orlando Bloom breakup

Katy Perry Gets Emotional in Tour Video Following Split From Orlando Bloom

Katy Perry is performing through the pain. The “Cry About It Later”…
GOP leaders looking to expand enhanced Medicaid matching rate to woo Murkowski

Republican Leaders Aim to Secure Extended Medicaid Funding to Attract Support from Murkowski

Senate Republican leaders are in talks about a proposal to extend an…
Wisconsin's budget includes tax cuts, university funding boost and prison closure

Wisconsin’s Budget Features Tax Reductions, Increased University Funding, and a Prison Closure

Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor, Tony Evers, alongside the Republican-led state Legislature, reached an…
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart dead at 90, family says

Family Announces the Passing of Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart at Age 90

The Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, who was known as America’s longest-serving TV evangelist…
Disney-Pixar's 'Elio' Was Originally Going to Be a 'Queer-Coded' Character Before Leadership Stepped In

Disney-Pixar’s ‘Elio’ Almost Featured as a ‘Queer-Coded’ Character Until Leadership Changed Direction

Recent information reveals that Disney/Pixar’s new movie “Elio” initially intended for its…
DHS slams 'bizarre tale' about activist allegedly kidnapped by bounty hunters

DHS Criticizes ‘Unbelievable Story’ of Activist’s Alleged Bounty Hunter Kidnapping

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responding to “lazy” news reports…
Ovidio Guzman Lopez, 1 of El Chapo's sons, intends to plead guilty in New York fed criminal case: I-Team documents

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, plans to admit guilt in New York federal criminal case, according to I-Team reports.

CHICAGO (WLS) — New information acquired by the ABC 7 I-Team reveals…
Trump will visit a remote immigration detention site in the Florida Everglades

Trump to Tour a Remote Immigration Center in the Florida Everglades

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Tuesday, President Donald Trump is taking a brief…
Germany's Prince Harald von Hohenzollern dies days before child's birth

Prince Harald von Hohenzollern of Germany Passes Away Just Days Before Birth of His Child

Prince Harald von Hohenzollern has died suddenly at the age of 63…
Trump will visit a remote immigration detention site in the Florida Everglades, informally known as Alligator Alcatraz

Trump Plans Visit to Florida’s Remote Immigration Center, Nicknamed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Everglades

President Donald Trump is set to visit Florida’s Everglades on Tuesday for…