Ocala, FL – A 33-year-old former Marion County sheriff’s deputy has been found guilty of manslaughter after accidentally shooting his girlfriend in the head while teaching her about firearms, according to court records. The shocking incident has highlighted the dangers of mishandling guns even by trained law enforcement personnel.
Jury Verdict and Charges
On Wednesday, a jury in Marion County convicted Leslie Dale Boileau Jr. of one count of manslaughter with a firearm in the killing of 25-year-old Polina Wright last year. Boileau faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, with his sentencing date pending the completion of a pre-sentence investigation report, due within 30 days.
Boileau had formerly served as a patrol deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, giving him professional experience in firearm safety—a fact that weighed heavily during the trial.
Timeline of the Fatal Incident
On September 19, 2024, the Ocala Police Department responded to a call from Boileau, who reported he had “shot his girlfriend” in what he described as an “accidental discharge.”
Upon arriving, officers found Wright sitting in a chair, deceased from a gunshot wound to the forehead. Several firearms and cleaning supplies were scattered throughout the home, including the rifle Boileau said he had accidentally fired.
Boileau’s Statements and Account
Boileau admitted to officers,
“I was cleaning the guns. We were pointing them at each other. She was like, ‘I want you to teach me how to use them,’ and the gun went off.”
He also acknowledged:
“I know this looks really bad. I told her I did not want this to happen. I did not want to train her in the f—ing house like this.”
During a post-Miranda interview, Boileau revealed that he and Wright had dined out at a Mexican restaurant, consuming about three margaritas each, before returning to his home around 8 p.m. to find a delivery of firearm cleaning supplies. Wright expressed interest in learning about firearms, which Boileau agreed to demonstrate.
The Accident Explained
According to the arrest affidavit, Boileau engaged in several firearm training and cleaning exercises with Wright, including dry-firing. At one point:
- Boileau allowed Wright to handle an empty rifle, which he later reloaded.
- He noticed Wright was using a fully-loaded handgun and attempted to clear it of live ammo.
- Returning to the rifle, he dry-fired it once—but forgot he had inserted a loaded magazine, and the second trigger pull fired a live round, striking Wright between her eyes.
The affidavit notes that Boileau, despite his law enforcement experience, admitted to sloppy behavior during the incident.
Officer and EMS Response
After the shooting, Boileau held Wright until first responders arrived. Emergency personnel confirmed her death on the scene. The incident underscores the critical importance of firearm safety, even for trained professionals.
Next Steps for Sentencing
A pre-sentence investigation report is expected within 30 days, after which Boileau’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled. The maximum penalty he faces is 30 years in prison for manslaughter with a firearm.
