A Florida woman in her 80s found herself behind bars on Friday after allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot. Authorities revealed that Elouise Ruth Leland, aged 81 and a resident of Hernando, was arrested following an undercover operation by law enforcement.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that they received a tip earlier this month suggesting Leland was on the lookout for someone to execute a murder. Acting swiftly, detectives set up an operation, arranging for Leland to meet with an undercover officer masquerading as a hitman.

During this fateful meeting, Leland reportedly laid out the details of her sinister plan and agreed to compensate the supposed hitman for carrying out the murder. Law enforcement wasted no time in securing a warrant and taking Leland into custody without any complications.

Charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder, Leland now faces serious legal consequences. She currently resides in the Citrus County Detention Facility, where she is being held without the possibility of bond.

Leland was charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder. She was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility, where she is being held without bond.

Authorities said detectives determined no other individuals were involved and that there is no danger to the intended victim.

“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,” Sheriff David Vincent said in a statement. “This case is yet another example of how we are stronger together.”

Leland made headlines in January 2025 after she was arrested on animal cruelty charges in a case that resulted in the rescue of 90 dogs from her home, FOX13 Tampa reported at the time.