CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Chicago Park District lifeguard is being held without bond following a fatal shooting in Douglass Park last week that left one teenager dead and another critically injured.
Charles Leto was ordered held during a court hearing Sunday after being charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Prosecutors say the shooting happened Thursday evening near the Douglass Park swimming pool. Leto allegedly confronted a group of teens after an earlier dispute involving his bicycle. A brief verbal exchange preceded the shooting, during which Leto allegedly retrieved a gun from his backpack and opened fire.
15-year-old Marjay Dotson was shot in the back and later died at the hospital. 14-year-old Jeremy Harred was shot in the neck and remains in critical condition. Family members confirm Harred is the cousin of Laquan McDonald, the teen who was fatally shot by a Chicago police officer in 2014.
Surveillance video captured the incident, though prosecutors said there was no audio. Based on that footage and witness accounts, officials allege that none of the teens were armed or acting in a threatening manner at the time of the shooting.
Leto, a 55-year-old Marine Corps veteran and licensed concealed carry holder, was employed full time as a lifeguard by the Chicago Park District. He called 911 after the shooting and remained at the scene until officers arrived.
The Park District closed the Douglass Park pool the following day and is conducting an internal review.
No further court date for Leto has been announced.
