A lifeguard is accused of killing a teen and wounding another at a West Side park late Thursday, officials said.
Charles Leto, 55, was charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the double shooting of Maray Dotson, 15, and Jeremy Herred, 14.
Leto, a lifeguard with the Chicago Park District, claimed he acted in self-defense when he shot the two boys at Douglas Park around 7:03 p.m. Thursday.
Herred was shot in the neck and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Dotson was shot in the back and later succumbed to his injuries.
“He was just 15. His bright spirit and loving heart touched us all. We cherish his memory forever,” a relative said.
The victims’ attorney, Jeffrey Neslund, issued a statement following the incident.
“While no amount of justice can ever restore Marjay’s life or fully heal Jeremy’s wounds, the families take solemn relief that the justice system is now engaged with the announcement of criminal charges against the shooter,” he said.
