Chicago Park District says widespread changes implemented after shooting involving ex-lifeguard

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Douglass Park Pool reopened this summer, along with other park district pools. But due to what happened there last summer, the Park District reports widespread changes.

Last summer, 15-year-old Marjay Dotson was shot and killed and then-14-year-old Jeremy Herred Jr. was critically injured.

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Former Park District lifeguard Charles Leto was charged. His attorney says he acted in self-defense, and Leto has pleaded not guilty.

After the shooting, it was revealed that several internal complaints about Leto caused him to be transferred but never fired. And while Leto did not have a record, he was involved in a standoff with police that began after Leto allegedly shot a neighbor's dog.

The Chicago Park District released a progress report Friday, saying, "Over the past year, the District has completed over 90% of the reforms identified in the July 2025 Internal Review."

Those include:
- A security guard permanently posted at the Douglass park pool; more roving security officers were added.
- Systemwide: better training for supervisors about how to handle complaints and about resources if an employee is in distress
- An Emergency and Crisis Procedures Checklist was created to help staff identify the appropriate reporting process for safety concerns.
- Lifeguard training program expanded

A centralized performance tracking system and annual employee reviews have not yet been completed.

Last month, ABC7 Chicago was invited to Herred's 16th birthday party. The teen is paralyzed and learning how to navigate the world by only using his head and neck.

He said he would not return to Douglass Park pool and wanted things to change so no other kids would be hurt like he was.

Herred's family declined to comment on Friday's report.

The Park District superintendent was not available for an interview.