Authorities reported on Friday that a former constable in north Florida was fired after admitting to them that, while cleaning his rifle, he unintentionally shot and killed his fiancée.
When Ocala police arrived at Marion County Deputy Leslie Boileau’s residence late on Thursday, they discovered a woman dead from a gunshot wound to the forehead and a 9mm handgun on her lap. At the location, a rifle was also discovered.
“The Ocala Police Department is working with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served,” Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said in a statement.
Boileau reported to the police that he and his girlfriend were handling and practising dry firing the pistols when the shooting happened. Boileau admitted to investigators that he killed the woman when he unintentionally fired a loaded round during a rifle demonstration after being brought into custody.
According to authorities, a search warrant that was carried out at Boileau’s residence supported his story. The girlfriend’s name wasn’t immediately made public by officials.
Following his arrest, Boileau was accused of manslaughter. Whether he was represented by counsel wasn’t immediately apparent. His booking was not listed in online jail records, and on Friday, the county clerk of court website did not list his case.
After eight years of service, Boileau was fired from the sheriff’s office right away. Billy Woods, the sheriff for Marion County, stated in a statement that his office supports the Ocala Police Department.
“Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers do their job commendably every day,” Sheriff Billy Woods said. “But unfortunately, the tragic actions of just one are felt through the entire law enforcement community.”
