OCALA, FL — A Marion County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after negligent shooting and killing his girlfriend during a gun cleaning session on the night of September 19, 2024. The deputy, Leslie Boileau, called 911 after the incident, admitting to negligently discharging a rifle, which resulted in a fatal wound to his girlfriend’s forehead.

According to reports from the Ocala Police Department, Boileau and his girlfriend had returned home after dinner where they had consumed three margaritas each. They began handling firearms after receiving a package of gun cleaning supplies. Boileau, who was showing his girlfriend how to clean and handle an AR-style rifle and a 9mm handgun, said they were also dry-firing the weapons as part of the demonstration. Tragically, while attempting to dry-fire the rifle, Boileau had forgotten he had inserted a loaded magazine, which led to the fatal shot.

Officers arrived on the scene to find the victim with a gunshot wound to her forehead. A 9mm handgun was found on her lap, and the rifle was nearby. Boileau was immediately arrested after the investigation confirmed his account of the negligent discharge.

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken expressed condolences to the victim’s family and stated, “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.” The investigation is ongoing, with the Ocala Police Department working closely with the State Attorney’s Office.

Boileau, an eight-year veteran of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, was terminated following the incident. Sheriff Billy Woods emphasized the deep impact the tragedy had on the law enforcement community, stating, “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.”

This heartbreaking incident brings attention to the critical importance of firearm safety, a responsibility that all gun owners must uphold. Alcohol and firearms are never a safe combination, and consuming alcohol while handling firearms can lead to impaired judgment and disastrous consequences, as was the case here.

A Reminder of the Four Rules of Firearm Safety

This tragedy underscores the need for strict adherence to the four cardinal rules of firearm safety, which every gun owner should follow at all times:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded – This simple rule prevents complacency. Always assume a firearm is loaded until you have personally confirmed otherwise.
• Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy – Firearms should only ever be pointed at a legitimate threat or a safe target. Pointing a gun at another person, even in jest or while “dry-firing,” is a dangerous and irresponsible action.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot – This prevents accidental discharges that can occur if the trigger is touched unintentionally.
• Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it – Ensuring that you are aware of what lies behind your target prevents unintended injury or damage.

This tragic incident could have been prevented with strict adherence to these rules. Alcohol, distraction, and mishandling of loaded firearms led to an irreversible consequence, serving as a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with gun ownership.