Overview

• Charles Leto, 55, faces first-degree murder, attempted murder and related firearms charges for the June 26 shooting that killed 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critically injured 14-year-old Jeremy Herred outside Douglass Park pool.
• A Cook County judge ordered Leto held without bond during pretrial proceedings.
• The Chicago Park District accepted his resignation on July 1, placed him on unpaid suspension and initiated an internal review of its hiring and oversight practices after revelations of his 2023 dog-shooting incident.
• Prosecutors say surveillance video and eyewitness testimony contradict Leto’s claim that he acted in self-defense during a dispute over his bicycle.
• Victims’ families and community advocates are pressing for hate crime charges and demanding enhanced park safety and equity reforms.