Teen Killed, Another Injured in Tragic Douglass Park Shooting: Community Grieves as Park Worker Charged
CHICAGO —A peaceful summer afternoon in Douglass Park turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak on Friday as gunfire shattered the calm, leaving one teenager dead, another critically injured, and an entire community reeling from the senseless violence.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Charles Leto, a 55-year-old Chicago Park District employee**, who now faces serious charges in connection with the shooting. The incident has sent shockwaves through North Lawndale, raising urgent questions about safety, youth protection, and the responsibilities of those entrusted with public spaces.
Tragedy in the Park
The shooting occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. in **Douglass Park, a place often filled with families, youth sports, and neighborhood gatherings. According to investigators, an argument escalated quickly before shots rang out near a recreation area.
When officers arrived, they found two teenagers suffering from gunshot wounds. One, a **16-year-old boy**, was pronounced **dead at the scene**. The other, a 15-year-old, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Their names have not yet been released pending family notification. Witnesses, including children, described the chaos as people fled for cover in broad daylight.
It was supposed to be a safe space, said one parent who had been nearby. Now I don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe taking my child to the park again.
Arrest of Park Employee Sparks Outrage
In a development that has stunned the community, police confirmed that the suspected shooter is Charles Leto, a longtime Chicago Park District maintenance worker**. Leto was taken into custody shortly after the incident and has since been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Officials have not released details on what led to the confrontation, but sources indicate that Leto may have been involved in an ongoing dispute with neighborhood teens.
The Chicago Park District has issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and condemning the violence:
We are heartbroken and appalled by this tragedy. The actions of one individual do not reflect the values of our organization. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and are reviewing safety protocols across all parks.
A Community Shattered
The North Lawndale neighborhood is no stranger to hardship, but Friday’s shooting has struck a particularly painful nerve. Douglass Park is a historic and cherished community hub, and for many families, a place of refuge. That it could become the site of such a horrific act has left residents angry, frightened, and heartbroken.
Vigils are already being planned near the site of the shooting, with community members calling for healing, justice, and real change.
We lost a child. Another is fighting for his life. This should never have happened,” said a local pastor during an impromptu prayer circle Friday night. “Our parks should be safe. Our children should be protected.