55-year-old Charles Leto faces murder charges after fatal shooting of 15-year-old, wounding of 14-year-old in alleged bike theft incident
The Incident
Charles Leto, a 55-year-old Chicago Park District lifeguard, has been charged with murder following a shooting that left 15-year-old Marjay Dotson dead and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred hospitalized.
The shooting occurred when Leto claims the teens attempted to steal his bike and attacked him.
Two Sides of the Story
Leto’s Account:
- Has a valid concealed carry license
- Claims teens followed and attacked him
- Says they attempted to steal his bicycle
- Maintains he acted in self-defense
Attorney’s Counter-Claim:
- Jeff Neslund, representing both teens, states there was “no altercation or provocation”
- Claims both boys were unarmed
- Calling for hate crime charges against Leto
The Critical Details
Marjay Dotson: Shot in the back, killed
Jeremy Herred: Shot in the neck, hospitalized
Leto: Licensed concealed carry holder, claims self-defense
Questions That Need Answers
The case raises several important questions:
- What evidence supports each version of events?
- Were there witnesses to the incident?
- What does surveillance footage show?
- How did the confrontation actually begin?
Legal Implications
Current charges: Murder
Potential additional charges: Hate crimes (as requested by attorney)
Key legal question: Whether deadly force was justified
What We Don’t Know Yet
- Exact sequence of events leading to shooting
- Whether there were any witnesses
- What physical evidence exists
- Full details of the confrontation
