Wendy C. Kilheffer, Key Deer Killer, Florida 2022

Defendant Brings a Senseless End to a Rare Key Deer

MIAMI – In a heinous act of wildlife cruelty, 77-year-old Wendy C. Kilheffer of Big Pine, Florida shot and killed a protected Key deer on November 16, 2022. The case has come to an end with Kilheffer’s guilty plea and sentencing.

According to witnesses, Kilheffer arrived at the scene where several residents had discovered the deer with its antlers entangled in rope. Despite having zero veterinary training or experience, Kilheffer decided to take matters into her own hands, pulled out a high-caliber handgun and shot the deer in the head at close range, leading to its immediate death was not. The deer’s death was not immediate, but witnesses claim that Kilheffer shot the deer in the head at close range.

Lying to law enforcement about her involvement in the incident did not save Kilheffer from the consequences. Video surveillance and eyewitness statements revealed her lies, and she was later forced to admit to her crime.

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, announced the sentencing.

The Endangered Species Act protects endangered species like the Key deer, and Kilheffer’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the creatures that inhabit our planet. The Florida Key deer is listed as an endangered species under Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 17.21(c)(1).

Kilheffer’s punishment includes one year of probation, a $4,000 criminal fine, completion of 100 hours of community service, and adherence to all laws and regulations involving human interaction with the Key deer.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Miami, with the assistance of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Fish & Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-FitzGerald prosecuted this case.

For more information, visit 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.

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