Central Florida deputy arrested for shooting death of girlfriend he claims was accident, police say

A Marion County sheriff’s deputy was arrested after he told police he accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend while the pair were cleaning their guns, according to a press release from the Ocala Police Department.

Police responded to the shooting in the Highlands area in southeast Ocala late Thursday at 10:52 p.m. after a call from Deputy Leslie Boileau who told emergency dispatch that he had accidentally shot his girlfriend, the release said.

“Upon arrival, officers found the victim with a fatal gunshot wound to her forehead,” the release stated. “A 9mm handgun was observed on the victim’s lap, and a rifle was also present at the scene. Boileau stated that the incident occurred while he and the victim were handling and dry-firing the firearms, and described the shooting as accidental.”

He was taken into custody for questioning and told police that after he and his girlfriend had returned home after dinner that they had opened a package with gun cleaning supplies and began to clean their firearms, the release said.

“While demonstrating the use of a rifle, Boileau accidentally discharged a loaded round, causing the fatal incident,” the release stated.

Police said they obtained a search warrant for the house and found physical evidence that corroborated the deputy’s account of the incident, the report stated.

Boileau has been arrested for manslaughter for the fatal shooting, and the Ocala Police Department is working with the State Attorney’s Office.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” said Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”