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
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.