CHICAGO (WLS) — A lifeguard has now been charged with homicide and tried homicide after two teenagers had been shot at a West Aspect park Thursday evening.
Members of the family mentioned a 14-year-old cousin of Laquan McDonald was wounded within the capturing at Douglass Park {that a} 15-year-old boy useless.
The suspect, 55-year-old Charles Leto, is now dealing with a number of fees, together with first-degree homicide, Chicago police introduced Saturday. It comes because the household of the boy killed is demanding justice, they usually spoke with ABC7.
The video within the participant above is from a earlier report.
In line with a police report obtained by the ABC7 I-Crew, the alleged gunman is a lifeguard with the Chicago Park District. That police report mentioned the lifeguard had a hid carry license and he claimed he was defending himself.
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The capturing occurred round 7:03 p.m. Thursday within the 1400-block South Sacramento Drive in Douglass Park, Chicago police mentioned. The 2 teenagers had been within the park after they had been approached by an unknown armed male suspect who fired pictures at them, police mentioned.
The 14-year-old sufferer was shot within the neck and was taken to a hospital in severe situation, CPD mentioned.
Members of the family recognized him as Jeremy Herred and mentioned he’s cousins with Laquan McDonald, who was killed by Chicago police in 2014. His uncle is Pastor Marvin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church. His household informed ABC7 he’s a sophomore at UIC Prep and had solely been to the pool two or thrice.
Herred’s household mentioned the teenager is making some indicators of enchancment, however the gunshot would to the neck is a really essential harm.
Your love assist and understanding means a lot to us throughout this extremely tough time. We simply need justice for Marjay.
Relative of Marjay Dotson, teen killed
The opposite sufferer, a 15-year-old boy, was shot within the again and was additionally hospitalized in severe situation. Police mentioned he was later pronounced useless. He was later recognized as Marjay Dotson by the Prepare dinner County Medical Examiner’s Workplace, who dominated his dying a murder.
Leto has been charged with first-degree homicide, first-degree tried homicide, aggravated battery and discharged of a firearm, police mentioned.
“Whereas no quantity of justice can ever restore Marjay’s life or totally heal Jeremy’s wounds, the households take solemn aid that the justice system is now engaged with the announcement of prison fees towards the shooter,” a press release from Jeffrey Neslund, the legal professional for the households of each teenagers, learn partly. “They stand agency of their perception that via the diligent work of prosecutors and the courts, justice can be served.”
Family of Dotson have created a makeshift memorial at Douglass Park, simply hours after fees had been filed towards the lifeguard accused of the crime. The teenager’s members of the family requested to not be recognized.
“He was simply 15,” a relative mentioned. “His shiny spirit and loving coronary heart touched us all. We cherish his reminiscence perpetually.”
In line with the police report obtained by the I-Crew, investigators mentioned Leto has a hid carry license and informed officers he was defending himself after he claims the teenagers attacked and adopted him and tried to steal his bike.
A witness, together with the members of the family of each, deny there was any altercation or provocation involving Leto.
Those that knew and cherished Dotson are grateful for the properly needs and assist as they mourn their loss.
“Your love assist and understanding means a lot to us throughout this extremely tough time,” A relative mentioned. “We simply need justice for Marjay.”
An legal professional for one of many sufferer’s households mentioned neither of the boys had been armed and that prosecutor also needs to cost the suspect with a hate crime.
Leto is scheduled to seem in courtroom on Sunday.
The Chicago Park District issued a press release Friday, saying, “The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic capturing that occurred at Douglass Park. We proceed to cooperate with the Chicago Police Division as they conduct their lively investigation. The Park District has made the choice to shut Douglass Park pool at this time out of care and respect for the park employees and group members impacted by yesterday’s occasions. The District is working with the Chicago Division of Public Well being to supply disaster assist companies to the park employees and residents of the encircling group.
“Regardless of this tragic occasion, Douglass Park stays a protected and vibrant group anchor. The fieldhouse can be open at this time throughout regular working hours and all applications can be held as scheduled. Extra Park safety and different employees can be current all through the day.
“The Park District understands the gravity of this case. We have now initiated an intensive inside assessment to grasp what occurred main as much as yesterday’s capturing and determine applicable motion.
“We’re dedicated to supporting our employees, patrons, and the broader North Lawndale group throughout this tough time. As we transfer ahead, our focus stays on security, and guaranteeing our parks proceed to be locations of peace, connection, and group.”
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