Lifeguard charged in Douglass Park shooting appears in court as family demands justice

CHICAGO (WGN) — A Chicago Park District lifeguard, accused of shooting two teens last week, killing one, at Douglass Park, made a brief appearance in court Tuesday for a status hearing.

Charles Leto, 55, is still in police custody for his alleged role in the fatal shooting. His lawyer says they are now waiting for an indictment.

“I want to start by saying this is a tremendous tragedy for everybody involved,” Attorney Jayne Ingles, representing Leto, said. “We are not going to try this case in the media. We’re going to try this case in a courtroom, as it should be, and we’re going to do that in a respectful manner.”

Surveillance video, obtained by WGN-TV through a source, captures the moments leading up to the shooting.

The footage shows a man, identified as Leto, working on his bike as a group of teens approach. Suddenly, the man jumps up and opens fire on the teens.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office says 15-year-old Marjay Dotson was killed after being shot in the back during the incident.

Jeremy Herred, a 14-year-old sophomore at UIC College Prep, was shot in the neck and remains hospitalized.

Leto faces several charges including homicide and attempted homicide for the incident. He told the police he acted in self-defense.

“I’m speechless right now. I don’t sleep well, I can’t eat,” Timothy McClellan, Dotson’s brother, said.

McClellan told WGN-TV outside the courtroom that he and his family are devastated by what happened.

“I don’t think anyone should be representing him, that’s what you get for killing kids. And my brother wasn’t a threat,” McClellan said.

Leto was employed as a lifeguard for the Chicago Park District. 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.

WGN-TV learned that in 2023, Leto was also involved in the shooting of two dogs in Lakeview. One dog was killed and the other survived. He also told police then that he acted in self-defense and was never charged in that case.

“Mr. Leto is a respected decorated marine veteran, and we are going to let the system work, and we are going to try the case in an appropriate forum,” Ingles said.

For now, McClellan says he will be at every step of this case.

“Justice for my little brother man,” McClellan said.

Herred’s family was also present at the hearing but declined to comment.

A rally demanding the Chicago Park District to do more in response to the shooting will take place Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Douglass Park.