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81-Year-Old Florida Woman Arrested in Murder-for-Hire Plot

1/19/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Elouise Ruth Leland, 81, of Florida, was arrested on solicitation to commit first-degree murder after arranging a murder-for-hire with an undercover officer.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office received tips that Leland sought a hitman and set a meeting for January 16, 2025.
During the meeting, Leland discussed the plan and agreed to pay for the crime.
She is being held without bond on the solicitation charge.

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Story summary

Elouise Ruth Leland, 81, of Florida, was arrested on solicitation to commit first-degree murder after arranging a murder-for-hire with an undercover officer.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office received tips that Leland sought a hitman and set a meeting for January 16, 2025.
During the meeting, Leland discussed the plan and agreed to pay for the crime.
She is being held without bond on the solicitation charge.