Ex-Florida deputy arrested for manslaughter after claiming accidental shooting of girlfriend during gun safety practice

A former Florida sheriff’s deputy, Leslie Boileau, was arrested for manslaughter after accidentally shooting his girlfriend at their home in Ocala. Boileau called 911 to report the incident, stating that they had been handling and dry-firing firearms when the shooting occurred. He explained that they had been cleaning their guns and was demonstrating the use of a rifle when he accidentally discharged a loaded round, fatally shooting his girlfriend in the head. Boileau told police that his girlfriend had asked him to teach her how to use the gun. Physical evidence found at the scene corroborated his account, leading to his arrest for manslaughter. Boileau had been a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for eight years but was terminated immediately after the incident. The gun used in the shooting was not his work firearm. Police Chief Mike Balken called the shooting a tragic incident and offered his condolences to the victim’s family. Sheriff Billy Woods expressed his condolences and support for the victim’s family and the Ocala Police Department as they conclude their investigation into the incident. Woods emphasized that while the actions of one officer can have a profound impact, the vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their duties commendably every day.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com