Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, May 7, 2018
Add to My HeroesWilliam Jackson Gentry, Jr.
Deputy Sheriff William Gentry succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous night while responding to an animal abuse call at a home in the 200 block of Baltimore Way, in which a homeowner's cat had been fatally shot with a pellet gun.
He and a deputy he was training had responded to the victim's home. During the investigation, Deputy Gentry went to the suspect's home, a convicted felon who lived next door, to make contact with him. As he stood at the front door, the suspect opened fire on him, shooting him in the head.
The 69-year-old subject was taken into custody at the scene and charged with numerous counts. He was found guilty of first-degree murder in 2024 and sentenced to death in 2025.
Deputy Gentry was flown to Lee Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his wound the following day.
Deputy Gentry had served with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He is survived by a brother, who also serves with the agency.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 2247
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, May 6, 2018
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 198 ReflectionsMy Heartfelt Condolences to the Gentry Family. The Brothers and Sisters of Law Enforcement have heard their Justice to the Cold Blooded Killer that took Deputy Gentry's Life.
Ret. Dep. J. Kohan
HCSO
April 4, 2025
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