CHICAGO — A 15-year-old Black boy is dead and his 14-year-old friend, the cousin of Laquan McDonald, is fighting for his life after a white Chicago Park District lifeguard allegedly opened fire on the teens at Douglass Park, a historically Black public space on the city’s West Side.
Charles Leto, 55, has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and multiple felony counts including aggravated battery and discharge of a firearm, according to Chicago Sun-Times reporting.
Marjay Dotson, 15, was shot in the back and later died at Stroger Hospital. His friend, Jeremy Herred, 14, is a relative of Laquan McDonald, the teenager killed by a Chicago police officer in 2014. He was shot in the neck and remains in critical condition. Doctors are concerned about possible brain damage, according to attorney Jeff Neslund, who represents both families.
The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. Thursday evening on June 26. Police say Leto, who was fixing his bike, pulled a gun from his backpack and opened fire on a group of youth standing nearby.
Leto told police, “Those two kids attacked me and followed me. I defended myself, I have a license.”
But to many in the community, the justification falls flat. It also brings up familiar patterns of how Black youth are perceived as threats. Neslund said prosecutors should “look closely” at hate crime charges, noting that the alleged shooter is white and both victims are Black.
“There is no justification or excuse for this heinous criminal act,” Neslund said in a statement. “While no amount of justice can ever restore Marjay’s life or fully heal Jeremy’s wounds, the families take solemn relief that the justice system is now engaged with the announcement of criminal charges against the shooter.”
Chicago lifeguard’s pattern of aggression ignored
The Sun-Times also reports that Leto, who was hired as a seasonal lifeguard in June 2023, had a documented pattern of aggressive behavior while on the job.
Ben Reifenberg, the father of a 5-year-old enrolled in swim classes at another Park District location, described a disturbing encounter with Leto at Gill Park earlier this year. Reifenberg said Leto screamed at him and made a fist after a misunderstanding during his daughter’s first swim lesson. He said he left the class and never returned out of fear.
“I felt that I was going to get my ass kicked. I was in shock,” Reifenberg told the Sun-Times. “The intensity was ramped up so fast, I got scared.”
Another lifeguard corroborated the account and told the Sun-Times Leto had multiple confrontations with staff and patrons.
“He would flip out over the smallest stuff. This guy was always angry and aggressive when he had conflicts.”
Despite these warning signs, it appears the Chicago lifeguard remained employed by the city-run Park District, a decision that may have had deadly consequences.
Families ask for privacy and accountability
As Marjay’s family mourns and Jeremy’s future hangs in the balance, attorney Neslund said they are “devastated by the senseless act of gun violence.” He added that the families are grateful to first responders, football coaches who were present during the shooting, and community members who have shown solidarity.
“They ask for privacy and continued support as they navigate the loss of Marjay and focus on Jeremy’s fragile recovery,” Neslund said.
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