77-year-old Florida woman sentenced for shooting, killing Key deer

FLORIDA – A Florida woman has been sentenced for killing a Key deer.

Wendy C. Kilheffer, 77, of Big Pine, was sentenced last week in Key West federal district court for violating the Endangered Species Act by shooting and killing a Key deer.

Kilheffer must serve one year of probation, pay a $4,000 criminal fine, complete 100 hours of community service, and strictly abide by all laws and regulations involving human interaction with the Key deer, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida (USAO).

Kilheffer previously pleaded guilty.

According to the USAO, On November 16, 2022, several Florida Keys residents discovered a Key deer lying on the ground with its antlers entangled in rope.

“Kilheffer arrived on the scene and — despite having zero veterinary training or related experience — decided that the deer was in distress and would not survive. Kilheffer went to her vehicle, secured a high caliber handgun, shot the deer in the head at close range, and killed it,” the USAO said.

According to witnesses, the deer’s death was not immediate, the USAO said.

When law enforcement later questioned Kilhefner, she denied being at the scene. Video surveillance and eyewitness statements reportedly refuted her statement.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and acting Resident Agent in Charge Robert Register of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Office of Law Enforcement, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-10023.