Florida Sheriff Says 81‑Year‑Old Woman Tried to Hire Undercover 'Hitman' for Murder
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office in Florida arrested 81‑year‑old Elouise Ruth Leland of Hernando on Friday, charging her with solicitation to commit first‑degree murder after investigators say she tried to hire a killer and laid out the plan to an undercover detective posing as a hitman. Detectives opened the case earlier this month after receiving confidential information that Leland was actively seeking someone to carry out a killing, then arranged and recorded a meeting at which she allegedly discussed details and agreed to pay for the murder. After the meeting, investigators obtained a warrant and took her into custody without incident; she is being held without bond at the Citrus County Detention Facility. Authorities say they have identified no co‑conspirators, have notified the intended victim, and believe there is no ongoing danger. The sheriff publicly credited quick work by his Criminal Investigations Division and assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office with preventing a "senseless" killing, while local coverage notes Leland previously drew attention in 2025 when 90 dogs were seized from her home in an animal‑cruelty case.
📌 Key Facts
- Suspect identified as Elouise Ruth Leland, 81, of Hernando, Florida
- Charged with solicitation to commit first‑degree murder and held without bond at the Citrus County Detention Facility
- Detectives used an undercover officer posing as a hitman after receiving a confidential tip that she was seeking someone to commit a killing
- Citrus County Sheriff’s Office says no other individuals were involved and the intended victim is not currently in danger
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the operation
📊 Relevant Data
Approximately 70 to 80 percent of animal hoarders in the US are women, and about half are 55 years of age or older.
The Reality of Animal Hoarding — Psychology Today
In 2018, 88.1 percent of murder offenders in the US for whom gender was known were male.
Expanded Homicide — FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
In 2023, the number of murder offenders in the US aged 20-24 was 3,013, while overall murder offenders tend to be younger, with elderly offenders (over 65) comprising a small fraction, often less than 2% of total.
Murder in the U.S.: number of offenders 2023, by age — Statista
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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