Florida Authorities Arrest 81-Year-Old Woman Following Murder-for-Hire Investigation
HERNANDO, Fla. An 81-year-old Florida woman with a criminal past was arrested after authorities say she arranged a murder-for-hire meeting with an undercover detective.
Detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, took 81-year-old Elouise Leland into custody after receiving confidential information that she was actively seeking someone to carry out a murder.
Investigators said they arranged a meeting between Leland and an undercover officer posing as a hitman. During the meeting on January 16, Leland allegedly discussed details of the plan and agreed to provide compensation in exchange for committing the crime.
Following the meeting, deputies obtained a warrant and arrested Leland on one count of solicitation to commit first-degree murder. She was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility and is being held without bond on the solicitation charge.
Authorities said the investigation determined no additional individuals were involved, and the intended victim, who has not been identified by deputies, is not believed to be in danger.
The arrest comes one year after Leland was charged with multiple felony counts related to animal cruelty in January 2025. Citrus County deputies said she failed to properly care for at least five dogs, including a wolf-hybrid named Phoenix that was found dead from malnutrition. Leland was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and five counts of animal neglect. Deputies said 90 dogs were ultimately rescued from what they described as her deplorable home.
Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent addressed the case in a statement released by the agency.
