Crime
Chicago Park District Lifeguard Charles Leto Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting of 15-Year-Old Marjay Dotson
CHICAGO — A Chicago Park District lifeguard has been charged with first-degree murder and multiple felony offenses following a shooting that left one teenager dead and another critically injured near the Douglass Park pool on Thursday evening.
Charles Leto, 55, faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated discharge of a firearm.
The Chicago Park District confirmed that Leto is employed as a lifeguard, and a source within the Chicago Fire Department also verified his role.
According to Chicago police, the incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday in the 1500 block of South Sacramento Drive, just minutes after the Douglass Park pool had closed for the day.
Two teenage boys, ages 14 and 15, were in the vicinity of the pool and basketball court when Leto allegedly opened fire on them.
The 14-year-old was struck in the neck and the 15-year-old was shot in the back. Both were transported to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.
The 15-year-old later succumbed to his injuries and was identified as Marjay Dotson by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Family members of the surviving 14-year-old confirmed he underwent surgery and remains in critical condition.
They also revealed that he is a cousin of Laquan McDonald, the 17-year-old whose 2014 fatal shooting by police became a national flashpoint for police reform.
A source familiar with the incident stated that Leto had been repairing a bicycle near the pool prior to suddenly firing on the teens.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities have not released further details on what prompted the violence.
City officials responded swiftly to the tragedy. Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, and 24th Ward Alderman Monique Scott met with staff and campers at the park Friday morning to offer support.
In a statement, the Chicago Park District said:
“The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park. We are cooperating fully with the Chicago Police Department in their investigation. Out of respect for our staff and community members affected by this incident, the Douglass Park pool will remain closed today. We are working in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health to provide crisis support services to staff and neighborhood residents.”
Leto is currently in custody and was scheduled to appear for a bond hearing on Sunday.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.