CHICAGO () — Douglass Park Pool is open again this summer, joining other Chicago Park District pools welcoming swimmers back for the season. But after a deadly shooting at the pool last year, district officials say major safety and oversight changes have been put in place.
The changes follow the shooting that killed 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critically wounded Jeremy Herred Jr., who was 14 at the time.
Former Chicago Park District lifeguard Charles Leto was charged in the case. His attorney has said Leto acted in self-defense, and Leto has pleaded not guilty.
In the aftermath, records showed that multiple internal complaints had been made about Leto before the shooting, leading to his transfer but not his termination. Although Leto did not have a criminal record, he had previously been involved in a police standoff that began after he allegedly shot a neighbor’s dog.
On Friday, the Chicago Park District issued a progress report outlining its response, stating, “Over the past year, the District has completed over 90% of the reforms identified in the July 2025 Internal Review.”
The updates include:
– A security guard now permanently assigned to Douglass Park Pool, along with additional roving security officers.
– Improved systemwide training for supervisors on handling complaints and connecting employees in distress with support resources.
– A new Emergency and Crisis Procedures Checklist designed to guide staff through the proper reporting process for safety concerns.
– An expanded lifeguard training program.
Two reforms remain unfinished: a centralized employee performance tracking system and annual staff reviews.
Last month, ABC7 Chicago attended Herred’s 16th birthday celebration. The teenager is now paralyzed and is working to navigate daily life using only movement in his head and neck.
He said he would not return to Douglass Park pool and wanted things to change so no other kids would be hurt like he was.
Herred’s family declined to comment on Friday’s report.
The Park District superintendent was not available for an interview.
