81-Year-Old FL Woman Arrested For Murder-For-Hire Plot: Sheriff

CITRUS COUNTY, FL — An 81-year-old Hernando woman was arrested Friday for a murder-for-hire plot, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Earlier this month, detectives received a tip that Elouise Ruth Leland was actively seeking someone to commit a murder and began investigating her.

She was introduced to an undercover officer posing as someone willing to carry out the crime for her, the sheriff’s office said.

Leland met with the officer on Friday and discussed details of the plan, including agreeing to pay them for committing murder, investigators said.

After the meeting, detectives got a warrant for her arrest and took her into custody with help from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

She was brought to the Citrus County Detention Facility, where she is being held without bond for the charge of solicitation to commit first-degree murder.

Nobody else was involved in the plan and there is no danger to the intended victim, the sheriff’s office said.

“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. “This case is yet another example of how we are stronger together and working together ensures the safety and integrity of our community.”

See Also:

• Tampa Man Fled Police, Crashed Into Multiple Cars Before Arrest: Authorities
• Woman Dies After Riding Universal Studios FL’s Revenge Of The Mummy Ride
• Runaway Emu Handcuffed By FL Deputy: Watch
• Man Threw Nails Onto Valrico Roads: Hillsborough County Sheriff
• Deadly Clearwater Ferry Crash Trial Set In Pinellas County: Reports
• FL Teen Tried To Stay Overnight At Walmart For TikTok Challenge: Sheriff