Authorities in Florida have arrested an 81-year-old woman, Elouise Ruth Leland, for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a murder-for-hire scheme. The plot was foiled by undercover detectives posing as hitmen.
Background
Leland was taken into custody on January 16 after meeting with law enforcement officers who were investigating her alleged plan. The police have not disclosed the identity of the intended victim, but they have assured the public that the individual is safe following the intervention.
Details of the Arrest
Detectives from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Investigations Unit received confidential information that Leland was seeking someone to commit a murder for her. Following an investigation, detectives arranged a meeting with her. During this meeting, Leland purportedly provided a name and discussed payment for the execution of the crime.
Legal Consequences
After the meeting, police obtained an arrest warrant and Leland was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility, where she is being held without bond on charges of solicitation to commit first-degree murder. Sheriff Dave Vincent commended the swift actions taken by his department and expressed commitment to ensuring Leland is held accountable.
Previous Incidents
This is not Leland’s first brush with the law. In the previous year, she faced multiple felony counts related to animal cruelty. Authorities had seized over 90 dogs from her property due to neglect and inhumane conditions, which included insufficient access to water and shelter. Following a routine inspection in January 2025, additional animals were discovered in poor health, leading to further charges against her for aggravated animal cruelty and neglect.
Original source: Open the source
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