In a tragic incident at Douglass Park, a Chicago Park District lifeguard, Charles Leto, has been charged with murder following a shooting that left one teenager dead and another critically injured.
The events unfolded on Thursday evening, shortly after the pool at Douglass Park closed for the night. The confrontation began when Leto’s bicycle was reportedly moved from the pool area.
According to court documents, Leto, 55, was working as a lifeguard at the West Side pool when he confronted three unarmed teenage boys outside the facility.
After retrieving his bike, Leto briefly argued with one of the teenagers who did not sustain any injuries during the incident.
As Leto rummaged through his backpack, he noticed the boys approaching him on the sidewalk. When one of the boys reached for his bicycle, Leto pulled out a pistol and began firing.
Fifteen-year-old Marjay Dotson was shot in the back as he turned away from Leto and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Another 14-year-old boy, Jeremy Herred, was also shot; he suffered severe injuries, specifically to his neck, and remains in critical condition with concerns over possible brain damage.
A third boy, also 15, managed to avoid injury by raising his hands during the shooting.
After the shooting, Leto called the police, alleging that he had been attacked and that one of the teenagers lunged at him, prompting him to fire in self-defense.
However, witnesses present during the incident reported that they did not hear any threats made by the boys.
Furthermore, surveillance footage of the confrontation was captured, but there is no audio. Leto’s backpack contained two ammunition magazines, a Kevlar vest panel, and a satellite phone, raising further questions regarding his intentions.
The lifeguard is currently facing multiple felony charges, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated discharge of a firearm.
During a court appearance on Sunday, he was ordered to remain in custody pending trial, as decided by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Leto’s actions have sparked outrage, with families and communities calling for justice.
Attorney Jeff Neslund, representing the family of the injured boy, suggested that the shooting should be examined as a potential hate crime, although authorities have yet to announce such charges.
In light of the shooting, Douglass Park pool has remained closed as the Chicago Park District cooperates with the police investigation and conducts an internal review to assess the situation and determine appropriate actions.
This incident brings to mind the legacy of Laquan McDonald, whose cousin is Jeremy Herred. Laquan was tragically killed in 2014 by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke, an event that triggered nationwide protests over police violence and accountability.
The families involved are keen on ensuring that justice is served, as the community seeks to reflect on the underlying issues surrounding safety and violence among youth.
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