The families of two teenagers, shot by a former Chicago Park District lifeguard this summer, are demanding answers in the form of a newly filed lawsuit.
“Our kids went to the park to play, and got shot by an employee.”
Jeremy Herred Sr.’s 14-year-old son is now a quadriplegic after the June shooting at the Douglass Park pool.
“We basically just want answers in every way possible for our kids. Our lives have changed forever.”
15-year-old Marjay Dotson died in the shooting by former park district lifeguard Charles Leto, who claimed self-defense and that the teens threatened him while stealing his bicycle.
Attorney Jeff Neslund represents both families in a new wrongful death and personal injury suit.
He says despite allegedly shooting two dogs in Lakeview in 2023 and being the target of numerous complaints, Leto was allowed to work with children.
“We hope through this lawsuit that we can bring change and accountability to the park district so that a lifeguard, who is supposed to save lives, not take lives, is not allowed to bring a loaded handgun to work.”
WBBM has reached out to Chicago Park District officials for comment.