Chicago Lifeguard Arrested After Deadly Shooting of Two Teens at Douglass Park

A tragic evening at Douglass Park on Chicago’s West Side turned deadly after a shooting left one teenage boy dead and another critically injured. The incident, which occurred just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, has now led to murder and attempted murder charges against Charles Leto, a 55-year-old lifeguard employed by the Chicago Park District.

According to authorities, the two teenagers were in the 1400-block of South Sacramento Drive when an armed man approached and opened fire. The gunman, identified as Leto, reportedly claimed he was acting in self-defense and possessed a valid concealed carry license. Police later confirmed that Leto was the alleged shooter and announced his arrest on first-degree murder charges on Saturday.

The shooting claimed the life of 15-year-old Marjay Dotson, who was shot in the back. He was transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition but was later pronounced dead, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, which ruled his death a homicide.

The second victim, 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, suffered a critical neck wound and was also hospitalized in serious condition. Family members have confirmed that Herred is the cousin of Laquan McDonald, the teenager whose 2014 police killing in Chicago drew national attention. Herred’s uncle, Pastor Marvin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, shared that the teen is a sophomore at UIC College Prep and had visited the pool at the park only a few times before the tragic encounter.

The family stated that Jeremy is showing some signs of improvement, but his injury remains life-threatening. They are rallying around him while also calling for justice for Marjay Dotson, who lost his life in what was supposed to be a normal summer evening at the park.

The arrest of Leto, a Chicago Park District employee, raises serious questions about safety measures and protocols within city parks, especially regarding employees carrying firearms in public recreational areas. While the motive and full details are still under investigation, the families of both victims are demanding accountability and transparency as they navigate the aftermath of an incident that has devastated their communities.