Florida sheriff’s deputy shoots and kills girlfriend ‘while cleaning his rifle’
A Florida sheriff’s deputy fatally shot his girlfriend in the head with a shotgun while he was cleaning his firearms.
Leslie Dale Boileau, 32, called 911 Thursday night and said he “accidentally” shot his girlfriend, Polina Wright, 25, in his Ocala home after the two were drinking margaritas at a restaurant.
When police arrived at his home around 11 p.m., Boileau, a Marion County sheriff’s deputy, told Ocala police officers, “I know this looks really bad” and “I didn’t want this to happen,” according to the arrest report, obtained by WCJB.
Officers found Wright dead at the scene of the crash, with a gunshot wound to her forehead.
Boileau claims he and Wright were cleaning and “dry firing” his handgun and rifle when he “accidentally” fired the loaded weapon, killing his girlfriend.
Leslie Dale Boileau, 32, (pictured) a Marion County sheriff’s deputy, fatally shot his girlfriend, Polina Wright, 25, in the head with a shotgun while he was cleaning his firearms
Boileau claims he and Wright (pictured) were cleaning and “dry firing” his handgun and rifle when he “accidentally” fired the loaded weapon, killing his girlfriend
He later admitted to officers that he knew he shouldn’t have pointed the gun at his girlfriend, especially since he works for the police.
According to officers, the physical evidence matched Boileau’s account of the events.
Boileau was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was also fired from his job, where he had worked for eight years and received multiple awards.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said the department is “heartbroken” for Wright’s friends and family and that Boileau’s “tragic actions” have impacted the entire law enforcement community.
“We are devastated for the family and friends of the victim. Tens of thousands of police officers do their work commendably every day,” he said.
“But unfortunately, the tragic actions of just one person are felt by the entire law enforcement community.”
Wright’s family and friends mourned her sudden passing through online tributes.
“Polina was the most loving and caring person we know; she was a ray of light to all who knew her,” her sister, Julia Dawson, wrote in a Facebook post.
“We can’t wait for the day we can see those cute dimples again.”
He later admitted to officers that he knew he shouldn’t have pointed the gun at his girlfriend, especially since he’s a police officer. (Photo: Wright and Boileau)
Another sister, Rebecca Wright Baker, wrote: “My dear sister, I can’t wait to see you in all your glory one day.”
On Saturday morning, Boileau appeared before the judge, dressed in a yellow suit and with handcuffs around his wrists.
Judge Stacy Youmans told Boileau and his attorney, Jimmie Sparrow, that she had found probable cause for the arrest, Ocala Star Banner reported.
Sparrow argued that his client’s bail should be set at $25,000, while Assistant District Attorney Tucked O’Neill asked for no less than $50,000. He expressed concern for the community if Boileau is released.
Youmans set bail at $30,000, adding that if Boileau posts bail, he will be prohibited from possessing weapons or handguns and will have no contact with Wright’s family.
He is expected to appear in court in late October.
Neighbors told the Star Banner that Boileau and his girlfriend never argued and that he often kept to himself.
Other Marion County residents believe the tragic case deserves further investigation.
Boileau was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was also fired from his job, where he had worked for eight years and received multiple awards. (Photo: Boileau in July)
“If he has won awards before for his outstanding service and his commitment to the community, he should take all of that into consideration before he makes a decision that will impact the rest of someone’s life and the rest of their family,” Christian Gonzalez told WCJB.
Boileau studied criminal justice at the College of Central Florida and was hired by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in June 2016.
During his time with the sheriff’s office, he served as a patrol officer and soon became a field training officer and corporal.
When he worked the night shift three years ago, his supervisors said younger officers “often look to him for guidance” and described him as “one of the most experienced officers.”
That same year, Boileau received two Eagle Eyes Awards “for his assistance in investigating and apprehending suspects in multiple burglaries,” the Star Banner reported.
His managers also saw him as a ‘reliable’ and ‘proactive’ employee.