Posted on 06/29/2025 2:24:05 PM PDT by TigerClaws
A Chicago Park District lifeguard has been charged in the fatal shooting of one teen and the critical injury of another near Douglass Park's swimming pool. The accused, Charles Leto, 55, faces several charges including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the shooting occurred around 7 p.m. on Thursday and resulted in the death of Marjay Dotson, 15, and severe injuries to Jeremy Herred, 14, a cousin of Laquan McDonald, a teenager killed by Chicago police in 2014.
Leto, a Lake View resident, was reportedly fixing his bike when the teenagers were shot. Initial claims by Leto, suggesting self-defense, were met with skepticism by Jeff Neslund, an attorney representing the victims' families, who said, "Those two kids attacked me and followed me. … I defended myself, I have a license.” During a statement, Neslund urged prosecutors to consider hate crime charges due to the racial dynamics involved—the alleged gunman is white while both victims are Black. Meanwhile, the CBS Chicago report highlighted the families' demand for answers and justice after the tragic event.
A weapon brandished changes everything.
I looked at their names - one was a normal name, but his cousin had a crazy name.
Our kids have Hawaiian, Welsh and Cornish middle names, but their first names are traditional American names (the top 500 baby names).
I’m very impressed by their quick reaction to duck and seek cover at the sound of gun fire. They’ve all had lots of practice I’m sure.
You are certainly most welcome!
That makes me feel good!
It means that I accomplished at least one worthwhile thing today.
(So I expect a birthday card next year.)
Reacted too fast ?
DumbA !!!
Re “…walk up and say things…”
I grew up in North Philly.
You are correct. It’s the initial move before an attack.
My deterrent was a switchblade and a chunk of bicycle chain.
Worked like a charm.
Another article had Nuland, the victims’ attorney, saying that Leto’s bicycle had been damaged but not by his clients.
If so, what about the racial dynamics there? Malicious mischief only, or a setup so that Leto could not leave quickly on his bicycle, but would have to fix or abandon it, exposing him to attack either way?
He was very quick to fire.
Mistake one is being in that neighborhood surrounded by youths.
If enough people start shooting when these gangs approach, even if they go down for it, it might dissuade the yutes from this kind of behavior. This fellow is essentially going to take one for the team.
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