A former sheriff’s deputy in Florida, Leslie Boileau, was arrested for manslaughter after accidentally shooting his girlfriend at their home in Ocala. Boileau called 911 to report the shooting, stating that they were handling firearms when the incident occurred. He explained that they were cleaning their guns after returning home from dinner when he accidentally discharged a loaded round, resulting in the fatal shooting. A search warrant corroborated his account, and he was subsequently arrested for manslaughter.
Boileau had been a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for eight years but was terminated immediately after the shooting. The gun used in the incident was not his work firearm. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken called it a tragic incident, extending condolences to the victim’s family. Sheriff Billy Woods expressed sadness for the victim’s loved ones and stated that the actions of one law enforcement officer impact the entire community. The Ocala Police Department has the support of the sheriff’s office as they complete their investigation into the shooting.
The girlfriend had reportedly asked Boileau to teach her how to use the gun, leading to the unintentional discharge that resulted in her death. Boileau’s account of the events was supported by physical evidence found at the scene. The tragic incident has left the law enforcement community mourning and serves as a reminder of the importance of gun safety and handling firearms responsibly.
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