Former Marion County sheriff’s deputy Leslie Boileau said he and his girlfriend were "handling and dry-firing the firearms" when the shooting happened.

A former Florida sheriff’s deputy was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the accidental shooting death of his girlfriend, authorities said.

Leslie Boileau called 911 on Thursday night to report that he had “accidentally shot his girlfriend” at their home in Ocala. The girlfriend was found with a handgun on her lap “and a rifle was also present at the scene,” the Ocala Police Department said in a statement on Facebook.

    • Starbuck@lemmy.world
      28·
      13 hours ago

      It’s easier to get a warrant for his arrest from a grand jury for manslaughter because it doesn’t require motive, just a dead person. They can always upgrade that too murder if the investigation turns up something.

      • CephalotrocityEnglish
        132·
        12 hours ago

        If you point a firearm at someones head and firearms are one of your professional responsibilities, there are absolutely elevating criterion for higher charges. There is no reasonable doubt he was unaware of the possible probable consequences of pulling a trigger while aiming a firearm at someone.

        As prosecuting attorney I would have the investigator simply ask ‘WTF were you thinking?’ and use whatever his response was (even a 5a plead) as prima facie evidence of guilt for a pre-meditated offence.

        • FireTower@lemmy.world
          2·
          4 hours ago

          use whatever his response was (even a 5a plead) as prima facie evidence

          This would get you reprimanded in court at best disbarred at worst. Utilizing the right to remain silent can not be used against you in a court of law. If it could it’d defeat the entire purpose of it by making silence become an admittance of guilt.

          • CephalotrocityEnglish
            11·
            3 hours ago

            Worth it :p

            You’re right, but I was being rhetorical. The video would really not be needed. Expert testimony on proper firearm handling, records of his training contrasted against his actual statements, and the collected evidence would be sufficient. My bet is he’ll take a plea if offered.

            • homesnatch@lemm.ee
              1·
              3 hours ago

              That seems like good evidence for a manslaughter charge… It doesn’t address motive at all, though, so wouldn’t be enough to upgrade the charge.

        • Brkdncr@lemmy.world
          4·
          7 hours ago

          All guns are loaded, always. It’s never taught any different.

          Even if you’ve pulled the trigger and nothing happened, it’s still loaded.

          Throw the book at the chump.

    • Empricorn@feddit.nlEnglish
      33·
      11 hours ago

      No, “suspicion” of manslaughter. So, of course, the police literally get away with murder. Again…