A Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of his girlfriend.
On Thursday, September 19, Ocala Police Department officers responded to a residence located in southeast Ocala, in the Highlands area, in reference to a shooting incident. When the officers arrived on scene, they discovered an adult female victim who was deceased from an apparent gunshot wound to her forehead, according to OPD.
The police department stated that a 9mm handgun was observed on the victim’s lap, and a rifle was nearby.
According to police, the victim’s boyfriend, MCSO Deputy Leslie Boileau, had contacted law enforcement advising that he “accidentally shot his girlfriend.”
While speaking with officers, Boileau claimed that he was “handling and dry-firing” several firearms with the victim when the accidental shooting occurred. He was taken into custody for further questioning.
OPD stated that Boileau told investigators that after returning home from dinner, he opened a package of gun cleaning supplies with the victim, they both began cleaning their firearms. He claimed that while “demonstrating the use of a rifle,” he accidentally fired a loaded round, which struck the victim’s forehead.
In a social media post, OPD said that a search warrant at Boileau’s home “corroborated his account with physical evidence found at the scene.”
Boileau was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with manslaughter.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” stated Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken. “The Ocala Police Department is working with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served.”
On Friday, September 20, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods released the following statement: “We are heartbroken for the family and friends of the victim. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers do their job commendably every day. But unfortunately, the tragic actions of just one are felt through the entire law enforcement community.
Sheriff Woods added that the Ocala Police Department “has the support of my office as they continue to finish their investigation of this tragic incident.”
Following Boileau’s arrest, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office terminated his employment. According to MCSO, Boileau had served as a deputy sheriff for 8 years.
In December of 2017, Boileau and another MCSO deputy were awarded a Medal of Commendation after their actions saved the life of a 7-year-old boy who had fallen into a swimming pool at a local residence and was not breathing.