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Florida Woman, 81, Arrested in Undercover Murder-for-Hire Sting

Deputies say an undercover meeting captured her agreement to pay for a killing.

Overview

  • Elouise Leland of Hernando was booked on solicitation to commit first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Citrus County Detention Facility.
  • Detectives launched the operation after a confidential tip and arranged a Jan. 16 meeting with an undercover officer posing as a hitman.
  • Authorities say Leland discussed the plan and agreed to provide payment, after which deputies obtained a warrant and arrested her without incident.
  • Investigators report no additional individuals were involved and the intended victim has not been identified but is not in danger.
  • Sheriff David Vincent credited interagency work with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and prosecutors in the Fifth Judicial Circuit will review the case; Leland previously faced 2025 animal-cruelty charges after about 90 dogs were rescued from her home.