Charles Leto – Douglass Park Shooting Chicago Park District Employee Charged with Murder of 15-Year-Old, Attempted Murder of 14-Year-Old in Shocking Douglass Park Tragedy
CHICAGO, IL — A community is reeling and demanding answers after a horrifying shooting in Douglass Park resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy and serious injuries to a 14-year-old, shaking the city’s West Side to its core. Authorities have now charged Charles Leto, a 43-year-old employee of the Chicago Park District, with first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection to the tragic incident that unfolded in broad daylight on park grounds.
The shooting occurred around 1:15 p.m. on June 27, 2025, in Douglass Park, a popular neighborhood gathering space known for family events, youth programs, and sports activities. According to the Chicago Police Department, Charles Leto approached a group of teenagers near the 1200 block of South Albany Avenue and, following what appeared to be a verbal altercation, produced a firearm and opened fire.
The gunfire struck two young teens — a 15-year-old boy, who was fatally wounded at the scene, and a 14-year-old who was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Emergency responders and park patrons were left traumatized, with many expressing disbelief that such an act could take place in a public park — and allegedly at the hands of a city employee.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed Leto’s arrest in a somber press conference Friday evening:
“We are deeply disturbed by this act of violence, especially given the alleged involvement of a city employee entrusted with the safety of our youth. Our hearts go out to the families affected, and we will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.”
Leto, who had been employed by the Chicago Park District for several years as a maintenance worker, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Authorities say he remained at the scene and was arrested without incident. A handgun was recovered, and ballistics testing is underway.
No prior criminal record for Leto has been reported, and police are currently investigating the motive behind the attack. Eyewitnesses stated that there may have been a prior dispute between Leto and the group of teens, though those details remain under review.
The Park District released a statement Friday night, expressing “shock and outrage” at the incident and confirming that Leto has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings:
“This horrific act does not reflect the values of the Chicago Park District. Our parks are meant to be sanctuaries for children and families. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing all internal policies and personnel records related to this employee.”
The identity of the deceased 15-year-old has not yet been officially released, pending family notification, though friends have already begun sharing tributes online, describing the teen as “full of life,” “a good kid,” and “always at the park playing ball.” The surviving 14-year-old remains in critical condition, and community members have started a GoFundMe to assist his family with medical expenses.
Grief and outrage now hang heavy over Douglass Park. On Friday evening, dozens of residents gathered near the shooting site for a candlelight vigil. Tearful parents, many with their own children in tow, lit candles and released balloons into the sky while demanding stronger protections for youth and more accountability from public institutions.
“We send our kids to these parks thinking they’re safe. How can something like this happen?” said Angela White, a mother and longtime neighborhood resident. “He worked for the city. He was supposed to be helping — not hurting.”
City leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, issued statements of condolence and outrage:
“The loss of a young life under such senseless, violent circumstances is unacceptable. The City of Chicago mourns with this family and community. We must do everything in our power to protect our children — in our schools, in our homes, and yes, in our parks.”
Charles Leto has been formally charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He is currently being held in Cook County Jail and is expected to appear before a judge for a bond hearing early next week.
As investigators work to determine how and why this tragedy occurred, community advocates and city officials alike are calling for renewed focus on violence prevention, mental health support, and employee screening for those working in youth-accessible spaces.
One thing remains painfully clear: a child’s life has been stolen, another hangs in the balance, and a city must now reckon with the betrayal of trust and safety in one of its most cherished public spaces.
Rest in peace to the young life lost. Justice and healing must follow.