Florida’s Citrus County is reeling after an octogenarian was hauled off to jail in a jaw-dropping murder-for-hire plot.

Elouise Ruth Leland, 81, of Hernando, allegedly set out to have someone killed and shockingly spilled every detail to an undercover officer posing as a hitman. According to authorities, the dramatic takedown unfolded on Friday, capping an investigation that kicked off when detectives got wind of Leland’s deadly scheme earlier this month.

Deputies say Leland actively searched for a contract killer. When she finally met with the undercover detective, she didn’t hold back—laying out the plan and promising payment for the crime. Right after she sealed the arrangement, cops swooped in with a warrant and put her in handcuffs, all without a struggle.

Now Leland is facing a bombshell charge: solicitation to commit first-degree murder. She’s currently locked up in the Citrus County Detention Facility with no option for bail. Law enforcement officials say there’s no sign anyone else was looped into the chilling conspiracy, and—thanks to quick work by the investigators—the intended victim remains safe.

Sheriff David Vincent praised the decisive teamwork between his office and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, declaring, ‘Because of our cooperation and fast action, we stopped another pointless tragedy.’

But this isn’t Leland’s first brush with the law. She grabbed headlines back in January 2025 for a shocking animal cruelty case, when authorities rescued 90 dogs from her property. Looks like Citrus County residents will be talking about Elouise Leland and her twisted plots for a long time to come.