Know all details about Chicago lifeguard Charles Leto and why he fired at the teenage kids including Marjay Dotson who died
Authorities in Chicago revealed that 55-year-old Charles Leto was formally charged with multiple serious offenses—including first-degree murder and attempted murder—following a deadly shooting near the community pool at Douglass Park. The incident reportedly took place on Thursday evening, when Leto allegedly opened fire on two teenage boys.
Who is Charles Leto as video of Chicago Park District lifeguard shooting teenager Marjay Dotson to death goes viral
Chicago. A lifeguard (Charles Leto) shooting two teenagers near the Douglass Park swimming pool on Thursday evening.
A 15-year-old died, and a 14-year-old was badly injured. pic.twitter.com/z7bxIVQcWV
— Adam Kruś (@adam_krus) June 29, 2025
A tragic incident unfolded in Chicago where 55-year-old Chicago lifeguard Charles Leto faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder, after allegedly shooting two teenage boys—one of whom, Jeremy, was the cousin of Laquan McDonald, whose 2014 death had sparked national outrage.
The offender was arrested on June 26, 2025 at 7:12 p.m., in the 1400 block of S. Sacramento Dr and Charles was placed into custody on scene and charged accordingly.
Offender: Charles Leto, 55
1000 block of W. George St.
Chicago, Illinois
Charges:
One (1) felony count – Murder – First Degree
One (1) felony count – Attempt – Murder – First Degree
One (1) felony count – Aggravated Battery/Discharge Firearm
One (1) felony count – Aggravated Discharge Firearm – Occupied Vehicle
Court:
Detention Hearing – 2600 S. California June 29, 2025
According to police reports, the shooting occurred near the Douglass Park swimming pool, where Leto had reportedly been fixing his bike. As a group of teens approached, he was said to have retrieved a handgun from his backpack and opened fire, striking age 15 Marjay in the back and Jeremy Herred, 14, in the neck. Marjay was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, while Jeremy remained in critical condition. Doctors expressed concern over potential brain damage.
https://twitter.com/unlimited_ls/status/1939128444954009736
Leto later claimed self-defense, telling officers that the boys had followed and attacked him. However, attorneys for the victims’ families called for hate crime charges, emphasizing that both victims were Black and the alleged shooter was white. They strongly condemned the act, stating that no justification could explain such violence, especially from a public employee.
Charles Leto, 55, is a Chicago Park District lifeguard and told police he has a concealed carry license and claims he acted in self-defense
He says the teens allegedly followed, attacked him and tried to steal his bike as 15-year-old Marjay Dotson was shot in the back and killed and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred was shot in the neck and remains hospitalized after Charles shot them.
Jeremy remains hospitalized in the Stronger Hospital in critical condition, with doctors concerned about possible brain damage.
Attorney Jeff Neslund, representing both teens, stated there was no altercation or provocation and said both boys were unarmed.
Charles Leto, 55 Charged with Murder of 15-Year-Old Male, Attempt Murder of 14-Year-Old Male … offender was arrested on June 26, 2025 at 7:12 p.m., in the 1400 block of S. Sacramento Dr.
He was identified as the offender who, minutes earlier, fatally shot a 15-year-old male… https://t.co/0RDuCn6eWP pic.twitter.com/zcLWpfGg2q
— SubX.News® (@SubxNews) June 29, 2025
Eyewitnesses reportedly saw Leto remove a handgun from his backpack following a dispute related to his bike. The shooting, which was captured on park surveillance footage, prompted outrage and sorrow across the community. The case drew renewed attention to racial tensions in the city, especially in light of the victim’s family connection to Laquan McDonald.
Jeremy’s cousin, Laquan McDonald, was 17 years old when he was fatally shot by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014 and the white cop, was seen in footage shooting the teen 16 times, despite Laquan being on the ground.
The families, amid their collective grief, conveyed their appreciation to the first responders — including local football coaches at the park, the Chicago Police Department, and the community members who had shown them compassion and stood by them in solidarity.