CHICAGO (WLS) — New video shows what led up to a deadly shooting at a popular West Side park last week.
CWB Chicago shared surveillance video it obtained of the shooting just after 7 p.m. Thursday at Douglass Park.
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The video shows the teens walking near Charles Leto, 55, a Chicago Park District lifeguard, and his bike.
Leto is then seen getting up and pointing a gun at one of the teens.
There’s no sound on the video, and ABC7 Chicago froze the video before the gunfire begins.
Marjay Dotson, 15, was killed and 14-year-old Jeremy Herred, the cousin of Laquan McDonald, is still in the hospital.
Prosecutors say the Marine veteran purposely targeted the boys.
According to Leto’s defense attorney, the shootings occurred because Leto felt threatened by the teens and was trying to protect himself as they had threatened him and planned to steal his bicycle.
The defense attorney highlighted that Leto, a decorated veteran, continued working at the park despite previous incidents that led to other lifeguards resigning.
Leto’s lawyer claims the teens had already damaged his bike when they tried to steal it.
Reports from authorities indicated that Leto shot at the teenagers following an altercation with a third teen who was unhappy about the pool closing; this third teen was not injured during the incident.
Leto has a concealed-carry license, but prosecutors say he violated park district policy, by bringing that gun to work.
He has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery and discharge of a firearm.
He had his first court appearance Sunday, where he was ordered detained, pending trial. A judge said he showed a lack of judgment and is a danger to the community.
He’s due back in court Tuesday.
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