An 81-year-old Florida lady was arrested Friday after allegedly attempting to rent somebody to commit a homicide, detailing the plot to an undercover legislation enforcement officer, authorities mentioned.
Elouise Ruth Leland, of Hernando, was taken into custody after detectives acquired confidential data earlier this month indicating she was actively searching for somebody to hold out a killing, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned in a information launch.
Detectives launched an investigation and organized for Leland to fulfill with an undercover legislation enforcement officer posing as a hitman.
Throughout the assembly on Friday, authorities mentioned Leland mentioned particulars of the alleged plan and agreed to offer fee in trade for committing the homicide. Detectives then obtained a warrant and arrested her with out incident.
Leland was charged with solicitation to commit first-degree homicide. She was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility, the place she is being held with out bond.
Authorities mentioned detectives decided no different people had been concerned and that there isn’t a hazard to the meant sufferer.
“Due to the fast actions of our Felony Investigations Division and partnership with the Palm Seaside County Sheriff’s Workplace, we had been capable of stop the mindless homicide of one other,” Sheriff David Vincent mentioned in a press release. “This case is yet one more instance of how we’re stronger collectively.”
Leland made headlines in January 2025 after she was arrested on animal cruelty prices in a case that resulted within the rescue of 90 canine from her dwelling, FOX13 Tampa reported on the time.
