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.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.