OCALA, Fla. (Court TV) — A former sheriff’s deputy offered an apology at his sentencing, calling himself “complacent, prideful and arrogant,” before learning his fate.
In October, Leslie Boileau Jr. was convicted of manslaughter after shooting 25-year-old Polina Wright at his Ocala home on Sept. 19, 2024, while he claimed to be performing a function test on his AR-15 rifle. Circuit Court Judge Timothy McCourt presided over Friday’s sentencing hearing, where Wright’s family members delivered tearful victim impact statements.
Judge McCourt told Boileau, “You had the audacity to blame [Wright],” as he refused to consider Boileau’s request for a downward departure in sentencing. McCourt sentenced Boileau to 25 years and eight months in prison with credit for time served.
Leslie Boileau speaks at his sentencing on Nov. 14, 2025. (Court TV)
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Wright’s twin sister, Julia Dawson, told the court about their unbreakable bond, describing how their grandfather called them “dimples and giggles.”
“Polina and I had a bond that no one could understand,” Dawson said. “Half of me has died.”
Wright’s younger sister, Rebecca Baker, described receiving the devastating phone call about Polina’s death and addressed Boileau directly during her statement.
“I knew you killed my sister,” Baker said.
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Boileau briefly addressed the court from the defense table, expressing remorse for the incident.
“I’ve gone over and over in my head… comes down to me being complacent, prideful and arrogant,” Boileau said. “I’m going to do my best to make a difference. I’m very sorry to both families.”
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