Park District employee in custody after 15-year-old killed, Laquan McDonald's cousin injured in Douglass Park shooting
Published on Jun 28, 2025
Chicago police said a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy were in the park by the basketball court next to the pool in the 1500 block of South Sacramento Street around 7 p.m., moments after the pool closed, when an unknown man shot them. A Chicago Fire Department source said a Park District lifeguard was the shooter.
The 14-year-old was shot in the neck, and the 15-year-old was shot in the back, police said. Both were taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.
The family of the 14-year-old confirmed that he made it out of surgery, but is still fighting for his life. They also confirmed that he is the cousin of Laquan McDonald, who was shot and killed by police in 2014.
The 15-year-old later died. He has been identified as Marjay Dotson by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.
A Chicago Fire Department source said the shooter was a lifeguard who was fixing a bike before he sprang up and began shooting. What caused him to shoot remains unclear.
The Chicago Park District said that in the wake of the shooting, the Douglass Park pool will be closed Friday, but the fieldhouse will remain open during normal hours, and programming will continue as scheduled.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa, and Ald. Monique Scott met with staff and campers at the park Friday morning.
The Park District released a statement saying in part:
"The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred at Douglass Park. We continue to cooperate with the Chicago Police Department as they conduct their active investigation. The Park District has made the decision to close Douglass Park pool today out of care and respect for the park staff and community members impacted by yesterday's events. The District is working with the Chicago Department of Public Health to offer crisis support services to the park staff and residents of the surrounding community."
No charges were announced as of Friday.
Area 4 detectives continue to investigate.
