An 81-year-old Florida woman was taken into custody Friday after allegedly attempting to hire someone to commit a murder and explaining the plot to an undercover law enforcement officer, authorities said.
Elouise Ruth Leland of Hernando was arrested after detectives received confidential information earlier this month indicating she was actively looking for someone to carry out a killing, according to a news release from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives launched an investigation and arranged for Leland to meet with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman.
During the meeting on Friday, authorities said Leland discussed the alleged plan and agreed to provide payment in exchange for the murder. Detectives later secured a warrant and arrested her without incident.
Leland was charged with solicitation for first-degree murder. She was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility and is being held without bond.
Detectives determined that only Leland was involved and the intended victim is safe.
“Thanks to the quick actions of our Criminal Investigations Division and partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to prevent the senseless murder of another,” Sheriff David Vincent said in a statement. “This case is yet another example of how we are stronger together.”
Leland made news in January 2025 when she was arrested on animal cruelty charges in connection with the rescue of 90 dogs from her home, according to FOX13 Tampa.