A lawsuit has been filed against the Chicago Park District and former lifeguard Charles Leto after a deadly shooting at the Douglass Park pool left one teenager dead and another permanently paralyzed. The incident, which took place on June 26, has shaken the West Side community and raised serious questions about hiring and oversight within the park district.

According to the lawsuit, Leto, 55, is accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critically injuring 14-year-old Jeremy Herred. Witnesses and attorneys for the families say the boys were unarmed and posed no threat when Leto pulled a handgun from his backpack and opened fire. The shooting occurred as the teenagers were enjoying a summer afternoon at the pool with friends, just before closing time.

The lawsuit claims that the events unfolded after a group of teens attempted to enter the pool late in the day. When Leto refused them entry, the group allegedly took his bicycle as a prank and rode it to the other side of the pool. Rather than contacting police or park security, Leto went to retrieve the bike himself. As he was fixing the chain, he pulled out a firearm and began shooting, causing panic among those nearby. Marjay was struck in the back as he fled and was later pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital. Jeremy was hit in the neck, leaving him quadriplegic and facing a lifetime of medical challenges.

Jeremy’s father, speaking at a press conference, expressed outrage that a public employee was allowed to carry a loaded gun into a park setting and use it against children. He emphasized that his son and nephew were at the park to play, not to encounter violence. The emotional impact has also been profound on Jeremy’s younger siblings, with his father noting that the five-year-old now shows signs of emotional distress after witnessing the family tragedy.

Attorneys representing the families argue that the park district failed in its duty of care by hiring and later promoting Leto despite a troubling history of aggressive behavior. According to the complaint, Leto had previously been involved in multiple altercations with patrons and coworkers during his time as a lifeguard. In one incident, just weeks before the shooting, a patron at another pool reported that Leto’s behavior made them feel unsafe. Instead of being disciplined, Leto was promoted to lifeguard captain and reassigned to Douglass Park.

Further details in the lawsuit reveal that prior to joining the park district, Leto allegedly shot two dogs in Lake View, killing one. Because no charges were filed, the incident did not appear on his background check. The families’ attorneys question why someone with such a history was placed in a position of responsibility within a public pool.

Leto has since been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. A Cook County judge ordered him detained while awaiting trial. If convicted, he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

The Chicago Park District issued a statement acknowledging receipt of the lawsuit but declined to comment further, citing ongoing litigation. Meanwhile, community members and advocates are demanding accountability and systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

For Jeremy Herred and the family of Marjay Dotson, the consequences are already permanent. Jeremy now requires full-time care, and his family struggles with the emotional and financial toll of his injuries. The loss of Marjay has devastated his loved ones, who describe him as a playful and kind teenager with his future ahead of him.

The lawsuit underscores broader concerns about public safety and oversight in community spaces. Families and attorneys argue that children should be able to enjoy parks and pools without fear of violence, and that the hiring practices of public institutions must include thorough scrutiny of employees’ backgrounds and conduct.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case serves as a painful reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives and communities. It also raises urgent questions about responsibility, accountability, and the measures needed to restore trust in public spaces that should serve as safe havens for families and children.