CITRUS COUNTY, FL – Detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office arrested an 81-year-old Hernando woman after uncovering what investigators say was an active murder-for-hire scheme.
On January 16, 2026, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, took Elouise Ruth Leland into custody following a multi-week investigation.
According to investigators, earlier this month detectives received confidential information indicating Leland was attempting to hire someone to commit a murder. Detectives immediately launched an investigation and introduced Leland to an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a person willing to carry out the crime.
On January 16th, Leland met with the undercover officer and discussed details of the plan. During that meeting, she allegedly agreed to provide payment in exchange for the killing. Following the encounter, detectives obtained an arrest warrant and took Leland into custody without incident.
Leland was transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility, where she is being held without bond on a charge of solicitation to commit first-degree murder. Detectives said evidence gathered during the investigation shows no additional individuals were involved and confirmed there is no danger to the intended victim.
Sheriff David Vincent credited the quick response of investigators and interagency cooperation for stopping the alleged plot before anyone was harmed, adding that the Sheriff’s Office will continue working with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office to ensure Leland is held fully accountable.
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