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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.