81-year-old Florida woman arrested after undercover murder-for-hire sting

HERNANDO, Fla. (CBS12) — An 81-year-old Florida woman with a criminal past allegedly arranged a murder-for-hire meeting with an undercover detective, landing her behind bars.

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 say they arranged a meeting between Leland and an undercover posing as a hitman. During the meeting on January 16, Leland discussed details of the plan and agreed to provide compensation in exchange for committing the crime.

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Following the meeting, deputies obtained a warrant and arrested Leland for 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 a charge of solicitation to commit first-degree murder.

Authorities say the investigation determined no additional individuals were involved, and the intended victim, who has not been identified by deputies, is not in danger.

This 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, which was found dead from malnutrition. Leland was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and five counts of animal neglect. Deputies say 90 dogs were ultimately rescued from her “deplorable home.”

In a statement, Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent 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. This case is yet another example of how we are stronger together and working together ensures the safety and integrity of our community. We will continue to work closely with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office to ensure Leland is held fully accountable for her actions.