Chicago, Illinois – A Chicago lifeguard has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder after opening fire on two Black teenage boys near a swimming pool at Douglass Park on June 26, 2025.
The shooting left 15-year-old Marjay Dotson dead and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred critically injured. Herred, a cousin of Laquan McDonald, is undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds, with concerns of potential brain damage.
Details of the Incident
Charles Leto, 55, was charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated discharge of a firearm after the incident, which occurred when a group of teenagers, including Dotson and Herred, approached him while he was fixing his bike.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Leto allegedly pulled out a handgun and opened fire after one of the boys approached him. Witnesses reported that Dotson was shot in the back, and Leto then shot Herred in the neck.
Surveillance video from the scene, obtained by WGN-TV, shows Leto taking his backpack off his bike, turning the bike upside down, and pulling out a gun before the situation quickly escalated. Witnesses said the group of teens immediately started to run as Leto opened fire.
Self-Defense Claim and Legal Concerns
Leto’s defense attorney, Jeff Neslund, claims that Leto acted in self-defense, stating that the teens had threatened him and that Leto was simply defending himself after they allegedly said they were going to steal his bike.
Leto himself echoed this claim, stating, “Those two kids attacked me and followed me. … I defended myself, I have a license,” according to a police report. Leto has a concealed-carry license, but it’s reported that he violated Chicago Park District policy by bringing the firearm to work.
Despite the self-defense argument, many question the legitimacy of Leto’s actions. Amelia Hertzberg, an attorney representing the families of the victims, called the self-defense claim absurd. She emphasized that the teenagers were unarmed and running away when the shooting occurred.
Connection to Laquan McDonald
Jeremy Herred is the cousin of Laquan McDonald, the 17-year-old Black teen who was fatally shot by former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014.
Herred’s family, along with attorneys, has called for hate crime charges against Leto, noting that both victims are Black and that the lifeguard is white. They argue that there is no justification for Leto’s actions, especially in a situation where the teens were not posing an immediate threat.
Rev. Marvin Hunter, a relative of Herred and Laquan McDonald, expressed outrage over the incident, stating, “It’s all at the hands of this one individual who chose to bring a weapon to work at a place where he has made a pledge and a vow to save lives.” He added that justice should be served for the victims and their families.
Previous Allegations and Suspensions
This isn’t the first time Leto has been involved in a shooting incident. In 2023, Leto was allegedly involved in the shooting of two dogs owned by a woman, one of which was killed.
He also claimed self-defense at the time, and no charges were filed. In the wake of the June shooting, Leto was placed on an unpaid, emergency suspension by the Chicago Park District.
Family Reactions and Legal Proceedings
The families of Dotson and Herred have expressed relief that the criminal justice system is now engaged, with the announcement of charges against Leto.
Their statement reads in part: “There is no justification or excuse for this heinous criminal act by an employee of the Chicago Park District.” They also thanked the first responders, including local football coaches, medical care providers, and community members for their support during this difficult time.
The families are calling for justice in the case and have placed their faith in prosecutors to ensure Leto faces accountability for his actions.