CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — More than three months after he was shot in the neck and paralyzed at a city pool, 15-year-old Jeremy Herred Jr. is preparing to move from a hospital to a specialized rehabilitation facility to continue his long road to recovery. The June 26 shooting at Douglass Park also claimed the life of 15-year-old Marjay Dotson.
A former Chicago Park District lifeguard, Charles Leto, is in custody facing murder and attempted murder charges for the shooting, though he claims he acted in self-defense.
An Emotional Visit
On Monday, after 102 consecutive days in a hospital bed, Jeremy was brought outside to see his classmates, who were excused from school for the special visit.
“He’s been in the same bed literally for 102 days,” said his father, Jeremy Herred Sr. “It still ain’t what we knew him before the situation, but we’re grateful for the progress so far.”
Jeremy’s friends were relieved to see him. “It felt kind of good because he looked better and seemed better than when it first happened,” said classmate Quinton Goins.
The shooting left Jeremy, who would now be a high school sophomore, paralyzed and dependent on a ventilator after a bullet struck an artery and his C4 vertebra. His parents have remained by his side throughout his hospitalization.
"Just taking it day by day. Still a long road ahead, but we’ll take this for now,” his father said.
The Case Against the Lifeguard
The shooting occurred when Jeremy, then 14, and his friend Marjay Dotson were at the Douglass Park pool with friends. Leto, who was a lifeguard, is accused of shooting both teenagers. Dotson died from his injuries.
Leto has pleaded not guilty and is due in court next week. He has maintained that he was defending himself, claiming the teens attacked him and attempted to steal his bicycle.
In a statement, the Chicago Park District said, “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Herred and Dotson families while the Park District continues to support the prosecution of Charles Leto to the fullest extent of the law.” The district also noted it has expanded programs to increase cultural representation among its aquatics staff following the incident.
Do you believe this was an act of racism? Were Leto's actions truly out of self-defense? Let us know your thoughts on the matter here.
