CHICAGO — An internal investigation by the Chicago Park District has shed light on the tragic shooting that occurred last month at Douglass Park, where a lifeguard allegedly shot two teenagers, resulting in one death and other serious injuries. The inquiry, initiated immediately after the June 26 incident, has revealed management deficiencies related to the alleged gunman, Charles Leto, a former lifeguard.
Leto, who had just finished his shift at the Douglass Park pool when he shot 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, has been charged with first-degree murder. Following the shooting, he was suspended and subsequently resigned. The investigation identified that Leto had passed multiple background checks, with no prior arrests or formal charges, including an incident in 2023 where he had shot two dogs.
Insights from the report indicate that Leto faced at least five separate incidents requiring supervisory intervention during his two-year tenure as a lifeguard. These incidents were characterized by confrontations with both fellow staff and park visitors. Concerns have also arisen from statements made by park officials who noted that these conflicts went undocumented, a significant oversight that raises questions about employee oversight.
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, the CEO of the Chicago Park District, emphasized the failures in tracking employee conduct. “We want to ensure that complaints against individuals are documented and centrally logged,” he said, acknowledging the lack of a systematic approach to addressing employee-related issues.
The report further highlighted that despite Leto raising safety complaints while employed at Douglass Park, there were no signs of any prior grievances directly linked to public safety concerns before the shooting. Ramirez-Rosa acknowledged the importance of lifeguards as protectors rather than perpetrators of violence, stating, “In the days leading up to his heinous act, he did not make any complaints about public safety.”
In response to these issues, the Chicago Park District is implementing several reforms aimed at enhancing safety at Douglass Park. Proposed measures include establishing a permanent security presence, enhancing safety training, evaluating the effectiveness of park security cameras, and improving the tracking of complaints and disciplinary actions.
The families of the victims issued a statement expressing their gratitude for the swift investigation but also raised alarm over how Leto managed to avoid arrest related to previous incidents. They remarked, “Those entrusted with protecting children at Douglass Park failed. There will be accountability for those responsible for this preventable act of violence.”
The park district’s CEO affirmed ongoing efforts to enhance oversight within the organization and expressed unwavering support for prosecuting Leto. “Charles Leto is a murderer, and we fully support his prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” Ramirez-Rosa stated.
As the investigation continues, the tragic events at Douglass Park serve as a critical reminder of the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety of all park visitors and staff.