HERNANDO, Fla. (CBS12) — An 81-year-old Florida woman with a criminal past allegedly arranged a murder-for-hire meeting with an undercover detective, landing her behind bars.
Detectives with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, took 81-year-old Elouise Leland into custody after receiving confidential information that she was actively seeking someone to carry out a murder.
Investigators say they arranged a meeting between Leland and an undercover posing as a hitman. During the meeting on January 16, Leland discussed details of the plan and agreed to provide compensation in exchange for committing the crime.
Following the meeting, deputies obtained a warrant and arrested Leland for one count of solicitation to commit first-degree murder. She was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility and is being held without bond on a charge of solicitation to commit first-degree murder.
Authorities say the investigation determined no additional individuals were involved. The intended victim has not been identified.