LAKE PLACID, Fla -- The 69-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a Highlands County Sheriff's Office deputy is now facing first-degree murder charges.
Joseph Edward Ables, who initially was charged with attempted murder, received upgraded charges Tuesday morning.
Deputy William Gentry died Monday after being shot while responding to a call Sunday evening about a neighborhood dispute over a cat.
A vigil is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in honor Gentry.
- Vigil Tuesday for fallen Highlands County Deputy William Gentry
- Gentry was shot Sunday evening; died Monday
- Joseph Edward Ables, 69, arrested in the shooting
During a news conference Tuesday, Highlands County Sheriff's officials announced the upgraded charges and that a memorial service will be held for Gentry on May 15 at 11 a.m. at the Highlands News Sun Center. A private viewing is being held May 14.
Also, the Sheriff's Office will hold its own candlelight vigil Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Fireman's Field at the Highlands Fairgrounds.
Today's vigil is at 5:30 p.m. in Devane Park in Lake Placid, where Gentry was killed.
Deputy Gentry was responding to a neighbor dispute involving a cat that allegedly had been shot.
After speaking with the complainant, Deputy Gentry went to 234 Baltimore Way to speak to the neighbor who was suspected of shooting the cat.
Deputy Gentry made contact with 69-year-old Joseph Edward Ables at his front door just before 8 p.m.
That's when Ables shot Gentry in the head, officials said.
Gentry, 40, had been with the department on and off since 2005. He did leave the sheriff's office to start his own business but returned last year as a training officer. He had also been a detective and K-9 officer in the past.
Ables remains in custody on a $2 million bond.