On Thursday evening around 7 p.m., lifeguard Charles Leto, 55, shot two teenage boys at the Douglass Park pool in Chicago. The teens, identified as 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, had been standing near Leto while he was fixing his bicycle.
Suddenly, Leto pulled out a handgun from his backpack and shot at them. Marjay was hit in the back and later died from his injuries. Jeremy was shot in the neck but survived.
The Lifeguard’s Claim of Self‑Defense
Leto has a concealed carry license and told police he acted in self-defense. He said, “Those two kids attacked me and followed me.” According to Leto, the teens tried to steal his bike and were going after him. “I defended myself,” he told police while showing his firearm license.
Witnesses Say Otherwise
People who saw the incident say there was no fight or aggressiveness from the teens before Leto started shooting. Surveillance video reportedly shows the teens standing by quietly when Leto opened fire. Witnesses say they saw no confrontation between Leto and the two teenagers before the shots rang out.
Family Reactions and Hate Crime Concerns
Dotson’s and Herred’s families are demanding a hate crime investigation. They want police to examine Leto’s past and motives. One of Dotson’s relatives described him as “just 15” with a “bright spirit and loving heart” who touched everyone he met.
Jeremy’s uncle, a local pastor, said Jeremy had only visited the pool a couple of times. Their attorney, Jeff Neslund, says Leto likely mistook them for other kids he believed had messed with his bike after he refused them entry to the pool. He argued it was wrong to use lethal force against unarmed teens who appeared to walk away.
Legal Status and Next Steps
Leto is now facing murder and attempted murder charges in Cook County. No official motive has been provided yet. The investigation is ongoing, and the families await further details from Chicago police and prosecutors.
They insist that claiming self-defense is “absurd” under these circumstances. The case may soon involve questions about hate crime charges, weapon laws, and pool safety rules.
This deadly shooting at a public pool raises hard questions. Did the lifeguard have reason to fear for his life? Were Marjay and Jeremy a real threat? How does the law balance self-defense rights with public safety?
As the investigation continues, the community hopes for clear answers, justice for Marjay, and support for Jeremy and their families. This incident reminds us how sudden violence can tear through public spaces, making it all the more crucial to understand what really happened.
