81-year-old Florida woman arrested on suspicion of murder-for-hire plot foiled by police

Florida authorities have arrested an 81-year-old woman for allegedly trying to orchestrate a hired hit.

Elouise Ruth Leland She was arrested on Friday, January 16, after allegedly meeting with undercover detectives posing as hired assassins. Police said Leland wanted to pay for someone’s death, but did not say who she wanted dead.

However, officials assured in a statement that the person was safe.

The bust was made possible by the combined efforts of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives received confidential information that Leland was looking for someone willing to commit a murder-for-hire. Detectives began investigating Leland and promptly, posing as a paid gun, arranged a meeting with her to discuss the plan in detail.

During the Jan. 16 meeting, Leland allegedly gave police his name and agreed to pay a certain amount to carry out the killing, according to a statement.

After the meeting, detectives asked a judge for a warrant. Leland was booked without issue and is now a guest at the Citrus County Detention Facility. She is being held without bail and charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder.

Investigators said evidence collected during the investigation indicated that no other persons were involved and that the intended victim is not in danger at this time.

“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 another senseless murder,” Sgt. Dave Vincent stated in the statement. “This case is another example of how we are stronger together and working together to ensure the safety and integrity of our communities.”

Vincent added that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to work closely with the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office to ensure Leland is held fully accountable.

The latest arrest comes a year after Leland was charged with multiple felonies related to animal cruelty.

Leland has been a breeder for more than 12 years and has seized more than 90 dogs from her home.

In 2013, she was cited by county officials for raising pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats in inhumane living conditions. Police said the animals were kept in inadequate enclosures without access to water, shelter or adequate medical care. At that time, Leland surrendered all of his livestock due to the intervention of the Animal Cruelty Unit.

But in January 2025, during a routine inspection, the county’s animal cruelty department discovered that several dogs at Leland’s home were suffering from apparent illnesses. They also found a dead dog in an outdoor enclosure.

The animals were safely removed from her possession and treated for medical conditions and illnesses. Leland was charged with one felony count and five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, and additional charges are possible pending the results of a forensic examination.

“These animals have suffered unimaginable pain and we are committed to ensuring they receive the care and compassion they deserve,” Citrus County Animal Services Director Colleen Yarbrough said at the time. “We are proud to partner with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and outside resources on this important rescue, and are now asking the public to lend a helping hand.”

Police later learned that at least five other dogs had died around Leland, including a wolf hybrid named Phoenix who was emaciated from malnutrition. Leland was also charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and five counts of animal neglect.

If you know or suspect that an animal has been abused or neglected, please contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals via their website Or call your local animal control officer.