Teen Killed, Another Injured in Douglass Park Shooting; Chicago Park District Employee Charged
CHICAGO — A senseless act of violence at Douglass Park in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood has left one teenager dead, another seriously injured, and an entire community shaken. Authorities have confirmed that Charles Leto, a 55-year-old Chicago Park District employee, has been arrested and charged.
The tragic incident unfolded in the early evening hours of Friday, June 27, 2025, as families and neighborhood residents gathered at Douglass Park to enjoy a warm summer night. What began as an ordinary evening of recreation and community turned into a nightmare after gunfire erupted near the basketball courts, sending people running in panic.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after 6:15 p.m. following multiple reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, they discovered two teenage boys suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims, identified as 16-year-old Malik Johnson, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second teen, 15-year-old DeShawn Rivers, was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. As of Saturday morning, he remains hospitalized with serious but reportedly stable injuries.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene of chaos and confusion. Children screamed as they fled from the area, parents scrambled to find their loved ones, and bystanders attempted to administer first aid before emergency personnel arrived. “It was like a war zone for a few minutes,” said Tiffany Green, a mother of three who was at the park. “One minute everything was fine, the next minute we heard shots and people were hitting the ground.”
The alleged shooter, Charles Leto, was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Authorities have since charged him with one count of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and multiple weapons violations. Investigators have not yet released a motive, but preliminary reports suggest a possible verbal altercation may have preceded the shooting. Police are still working to determine the exact circumstances and whether the teens were targeted or caught in the crossfire.
Leto, a 20-year veteran employee of the Chicago Park District, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case. In a statement released late Friday night, Park District officials expressed shock and deep sorrow over the incident, promising full cooperation with the investigation.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has devastated a community and brought unimaginable grief to the families involved,” said Chicago Park District CEO Rosa Escareño. “We are committed to supporting the authorities in their investigation and reviewing all safety protocols to ensure our parks remain safe spaces for everyone.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also addressed the incident in a brief press conference, calling the violence “unacceptable and heartbreaking.” He pledged additional resources to support the victims’ families and the community, and called for a renewed focus on gun violence prevention and mental health support. “Our children deserve better. We must come together to heal, to demand justice, and to prevent such tragedies from repeating themselves,” Mayor Johnson stated.
Grief counselors have been dispatched to local schools and community centers, while a candlelight vigil is being organized by area residents to honor Malik Johnson’s memory and support his family. “Malik was a good kid, always smiling, always respectful,” said his former teacher, Mrs. Cynthia Wallace. “This is a loss that will be felt deeply across our community.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with video footage or additional information about the shooting to come forward. As North Lawndale mourns yet another young life lost to violence, residents are calling for accountability, change, and peace in their neighborhoods.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department at (312) 746-6000 or submit anonymous tips through the CPD tip line.