Chicago Lifeguard Shoots and Kills Black Teen; Family Pushes for Hate Crime Charges
What began as a summer outing ended in tragedy when 17-year-old Kendrick Wilson was fatally shot by Charles Leto, a white Chicago Park District lifeguard. The incident took place in June at Oakwood Beach, where Leto claims he acted in self-defense. But Kendrick’s family says this was no accident—they’re calling it a hate crime.
Witness Dispute and Family Grief
According to authorities, an altercation broke out between a group of teens and Leto. The details remain disputed. Leto, who was off-duty but carrying a firearm, alleges that he was being attacked. He fired his weapon, striking Kendrick. The teen died from his injuries. Witnesses and family members say Kendrick was unarmed and the confrontation didn’t warrant deadly force.
Seeking Charges and Accountability
Leto has not been charged, and police are still investigating. Meanwhile, civil rights attorneys and Kendrick’s loved ones are demanding a full investigation, including whether racial bias played a role. “This wasn’t self-defense. This was murder,” said one family member. “He saw a Black boy and pulled the trigger.”
The family is urging prosecutors to file hate crime charges and release any footage available. Community members are organizing rallies, calling for justice and transparency from the city.
