Nationwide — Charles Leto, a 55-year-old seasonal lifeguard with the Chicago Park District, has been charged with murder and attempted murder after allegedly shooting two Black teenagers at Douglass Park. One of the teens died, and the other remains in critical condition. The victims’ families are calling for hate crime charges.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Leto, who worked as a seasonal lifeguard, was fixing his bike when 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred stood nearby with a group of teens. Police say Leto pulled a handgun from his backpack and fired, hitting Marjay in the back and Jeremy in the neck.
Marjay died at the hospital. Jeremy remains in critical condition and may have brain damage, according to their family’s attorney. Jeremy is also the cousin of Laquan McDonald, a Black teen whose 2014 killing by a police officer sparked national outrage.
Leto told responding officers the teens followed and attacked him. “I defended myself, I have a license,” he reportedly said. His attorney declined to comment. The Chicago Park District has not released a statement.
Attorney Jeff Neslund, who represents the victims’ families, urged prosecutors to explore hate crime charges, citing the racial dynamics of the case — Leto is white, and the victims are Black. He said the families are devastated by the shooting and want full accountability.
Leto was hired in June 2023 at a pay rate of $16.19 per hour. Prior to the shooting, other complaints had surfaced about his behavior. One parent recalled an incident at Gill Park where Leto allegedly screamed at him during his child’s swim class, making him feel physically threatened. Another lifeguard confirmed Leto had a history of angry outbursts and confrontational behavior.
The families thanked first responders, medical staff, and community members for their support. They are now asking for privacy as they grieve Marjay’s loss and focus on Jeremy’s recovery.