CHICAGO (WGN) — A lifeguard accused of shooting two teens last week, killing one, resigned from the Chicago Park District in lieu of being terminated and is ineligible for future employment with the district, a spokesperson told WGN.
Charles Leto, 55, appeared in court Tuesday for a status hearing. He is charged with murder and attempted murder in the shootings of Marjay Dotson and Jeremy Herred last Thursday at Douglass Park, where he worked as a lifeguard. Dotson was killed in the shooting that was captured by a surveillance camera. Leto reportedly told police the shooting was in self-defense.
“Our hearts are broken,” Michele Lemons wrote in an email to WGN. “We extend our deepest condolences to Marjay’s family, friends, and the North Lawndale community, and we are keeping Jeremy and his family in our prayers. This horrific act of violence has shaken us all, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”
WGN-TV reported Monday that Leto was also involved in a 2023 shooting of two dogs in Lakeview. One dog was killed. He also told police then that he acted in self-defense and he was not charged in the case.
Lemons said Leto’s pre-employment screening did not reveal anything that would have prevented his employment with the district. She said the district is cooperating with the Chicago Police Department and conducting an internal review.
The Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce has started a petition calling for accountability, investment and safety at Douglass Park in the wake of the shooting. Lemons said district officials are aware of the petition and hope to soon meet with organizers and stakeholders “to address their concerns and work together toward accountability, healing, and lasting change.”
“Our parks must be sanctuaries—places where young people are protected, not harmed,” Lemons said. “We will not rest until we have taken every possible step to ensure our parks live up to that promise.”
