William Gentry, a 40-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on May 6, 2018, in Lake Placid, Florida. Deputy Gentry, who served with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, responded to a call regarding a neighbor suspected of shooting a cat. Upon arriving at the scene, he approached the residence of Joseph Edward Ables, a 69-year-old white male. As Deputy Gentry reached the front door, Ables shot him in the head, leading to his critical injury. Despite being airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital, Deputy Gentry succumbed to his injuries the following day, May 7, 2018.
The incident sparked a significant investigation and legal proceedings. Joseph Edward Ables was immediately arrested at the scene and faced multiple charges, including homicide, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, resisting an officer with violence, tampering with evidence, and violation of probation. Following Deputy Gentry's death, the charges against Ables were upgraded to first-degree murder.
The legal process culminated in a trial where Ables was found guilty of first-degree murder. During the trial, Ables claimed he did not realize Gentry was a deputy and acted in self-defense, a claim that was not accepted by the jury. The jury unanimously recommended the death penalty for Ables, highlighting the severity of his actions and the lack of remorse he showed throughout the proceedings.
Deputy Gentry's death was a profound loss for the Highlands County community and the Sheriff's Office, where he had served for over eight years. He was remembered for his dedication to his work, particularly his contributions to the K-9 unit and the Special Investigations Unit. His passing marked the first time a deputy in Highlands County was killed in the line of duty by a suspect.
