A 15-year-old boy who was paralyzed during a shooting at the Douglass Park pool this summer made a powerful appearance at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on Thursday.
Jeremy Herred Jr. spoke exclusively with ABC7 for the first time as the man accused of shooting him, a former Chicago lifeguard, appeared before a judge.
A Hero’s Welcome
Dozens of supporters filled the courthouse hallways, cheering for Jeremy as he arrived.
Despite his life-altering injuries, the teenager shared a brief but inspiring message for others facing hardship.
“Always believe,” Jeremy said. “Never give up.”
His family expressed both gratitude for his survival and frustration with the legal process.
His grandmother, Mirria Herred, told ABC7 that his recovery is a blessing from God, while his mother, Tanshanikia Williams, said she was simply “grateful” to have him there.
The Suspect and Legal Delays
The suspect, Charles Leto, is a former Chicago Park District lifeguard.
Prosecutors say Leto opened fire at the Douglass Park pool in June, killing 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and critically wounding Jeremy.
The entire incident was reportedly captured on video.
Thursday’s court date was intended to be a detention hearing to decide if Leto should remain in jail.
However, ABC7 reported that the hearing was rescheduled because Leto’s lead attorney had a family emergency.
The delay sparked emotional reactions from Jeremy’s father, Jeremy Herred Sr., who noted that while the defense can “change dates,” his family has to live with the consequences of the shooting every single day.
What’s Next
The crowd of supporters was so large that not everyone could fit into the courtroom.
Acknowledging the community interest, the judge promised to find a larger room for the next hearing.
The detention hearing for Charles Leto is now set for Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m.
Jeremy, who is currently staying at a rehabilitation facility, says he plans to be back in the courtroom to face the man accused of changing his life forever.
