A Florida woman accused of killing her boyfriend and burying his body on a farm has been indicted for first-degree murder and could face the death penalty if convicted.
The Crime
Caylen Deller, 30, was charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Tampering with evidence
- Failure to report a death
Authorities say Deller shot Chad Mullen, a father of two, in September before enlisting a friend, Tina Marie Lee-Ellis, to help bury him on a Federal Point farm.
Mullen, from Satsuma, was last heard from on Sept. 9 and officially reported missing on Sept. 15. His body was found on Oct. 28, wrapped in rope, ratchet straps, and lasso cord, according to police.
A Volatile Relationship
Deller and Mullen had dated for about a year, with friends and family describing their relationship as highly unstable.
“While this will not bring Chad back, we are one step closer to ensuring Caylen Deller does not receive another day of freedom,” the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.
Investigators believe Deller killed Mullen near her horse farm, Stormy Stables, then used a horse to drag his body to Lee-Ellis’ SUV before burying him.
Confession and Denial
Deller’s ex-boyfriend, Ken Wadell, told The Citizen that she confessed to the murder. However, Deller denied involvement, telling reporters:
“I don’t know anything about it. But I’m glad that his mother might have some peace and closure now.”
Lee-Ellis was also arrested and is charged as an accessory to first-degree murder for allegedly helping dispose of Mullen’s body.
What’s Next?
If convicted, Deller faces the death penalty.