Florida deputy accidentally shoots and kills girlfriend, officials report
OCALA, FLORIDA — A former deputy in north Florida has been fired after he claimed to investigators that he accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend while cleaning his gun. Ocala police responded to the home of Marion County Deputy Leslie Boileau late Thursday and discovered a woman with a fatal gunshot wound to her forehead, along with a 9mm handgun in her lap and a rifle at the scene. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken stated that the department is collaborating with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served.
Boileau explained to officers that the shooting occurred while he and his girlfriend were handling and dry-firing their guns. After his arrest, he told detectives that he accidentally discharged a loaded round while demonstrating the use of a rifle, resulting in the woman’s death. A search warrant executed at Boileau’s home supported his account, although officials have not yet released the girlfriend’s name. Boileau has been charged with manslaughter and was promptly terminated from the sheriff’s office, where he had served for eight years. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods expressed support for the Ocala Police Department, emphasizing that the actions of one individual can impact the entire law enforcement community.
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