Authorities in Florida have arrested an 81-year-old woman for allegedly trying to orchestrate a hit-and-run.
Elouise Ruth Leland was arrested on Friday, January 16, after she allegedly met with undercover detectives posing as hitmen. Police say Leland wanted to pay for someone’s death, but have not said who he wanted him to kill.
This person, however, is safe, the agents assured in a statement.
The bust was the result of the collaborative efforts of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives received confidential information about Leland looking for someone willing to commit a murder-for-hire. The detectives began investigating Leland and eventually, while posing as potential hired guns, met with her to discuss the plan in detail.
During their meeting on Jan. 16, Leland allegedly provided police with a name and agreed to pay a certain amount of money to have the killing carried out, according to a statement.
The meeting ended, and the detectives went to the judge to obtain an arrest warrant. Leland was booked without incident and is now a guest at the Citrus County Detention Center. She is being held without bail, charged with solicitation to commit first degree murder.
Investigators said evidence gathered during their investigation determined that there were no additional people involved and that there is currently no danger to the intended victim.
“Thanks to the quick actions of our Criminal Investigations Division and cooperation with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to prevent another senseless murder,” the sheriff said. Dave Vincent he said in the statement. “This case is yet another example of how we are stronger together and that working together ensures the safety and integrity of our community.”
Vincent added that the sheriff’s office will continue to work closely with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office to ensure that Leland is held fully accountable.
This recent arrest comes a year after Leland was charged with multiple crimes related to animal cruelty.
Leland, who has been a breeder for over 12 years, has taken in over 90 dogs from her home.
County officials had cited him in 2013 for keeping pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats in inhumane living conditions. Police said the animals were kept in inadequate pens without access to water, shelter or sufficient medical care. At that time, Leland surrendered all the cattle due to the interventions of the animal cruelty unit.
But in January 2025, during a routine inspection, the county’s animal cruelty unit found several dogs at Leland’s home with obvious medical ailments. They also found a dead dog in an outdoor enclosure.
Authorities called to a possible animal abuse at a home in central Alabama discovered more than two dozen dead dogs in the backyard, as well as 24 live dogs inside the residence, the sheriff’s office said. Dogs found alive are now available for adoption, Us Weekly has learned. A “concerned citizen” called the authorities about the (…)
The animals were removed from their possession and treated for medical conditions and ailments. Leland was charged with one felony and five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, with the possibility of additional charges pending the results of forensic entrance examinations.
“These animals have endured unimaginable suffering and we are committed to ensuring they receive the care and compassion they deserve,” said Citrus County Animal Services Director. Colleen Yarbrough he said at the time. “We are proud to partner with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and outside resources on this critical rescue and are now asking the public to lend a hand as well.”
Police later learned that at least five other dogs had died while with Leland, including a wolf hybrid named Phoenix, who passed out from malnutrition. Leland was also charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and five counts of animal neglect.
If you know or suspect animal abuse or neglect, please contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. through its website or call your local animal control officer.