Florida woman accused of killing husband in hospital reaches plea deal
DELAND, Fla, - Ellen Gilland, a Florida woman accused of killing her terminally ill husband in a Volusia County hospital, will not stand trial after agreeing to a plea deal.
In a brief courtroom appearance, Gilland withdrew her not guilty plea and entered a no-contest plea, waiving her right to a jury trial scheduled for Monday. Investigators say Gilland shot her husband in January 2023 as part of a planned double suicide. However, after the shooting, a hospital lockdown prevented her from carrying out the second part of the plan.
MORE HEADLINES:
- Orlando New Year’s Eve tradition kept alive as beloved Orange Drop finds new home in Thornton Park
- FOX 35 Investigates: Unemployment claimants face long call waits, months of delays despite low jobless rate
- South Carolina, Illinois clash at Cheez-It Citrus Bowl a boon for Orlando tourism
- Florida woman accused of killing husband in hospital reaches plea deal
- Nearly all of Puerto Rico is without power on New Year’s Eve
- Police: Florida man arrested after being accused of breaking into cars, shot by homeowner
Initially charged with first-degree murder, Gilland now faces charges of assisting self-murder and aggravated assault. The state agreed to a plea stipulation, waiving the mandatory three-year minimum sentence and capping her prison time at 10 years.
Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 9 a.m.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV