A Florida woman has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of her on-again/off-again boyfriend who disappeared earlier this month. Charges were issued for Caylen Deller, 30, and Tina Marie Lee-Ellis, 56, in connection with the disappearance of Chad Mullen. Mullen, 53, was last seen alive on Sept. 9 while traveling with Deller, with whom he had an on-again/off-again relationship. The women were arrested after Mullen’s body was discovered following a tip received by authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
Chad Mullen was first reported missing on September 15 by his family after he failed to attend his brother’s wedding in Texas. His daughter, Hollie Mullen, expressed disbelief at first, hoping that he would return. However, the discovery of Mullen’s body off the side of a rural road by a mechanic/equipment operator led to the realization of his tragic fate. The unusual dirt pile observed by the man led to the discovery of Mullen’s body approximately 20 to 25 feet off the side of the road on a property near the Putnam County line.
Tina Marie Lee-Ellis turned herself in and was charged with accessory to first-degree murder after the fact, while Caylen Deller was arrested in Volusia County and charged with first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm in connection with Mullen’s death. The circumstances leading to Mullen’s murder and the relationship between the two women are still unclear as the investigation continues. The body was discovered following a tip to authorities.
The arrests came after authorities issued warrants for Deller and Lee-Ellis in connection with Mullen’s disappearance after he was last seen alive with Deller. Deller and Mullen had an on-again/off-again relationship, adding a complex layer to the case. The women were arrested after Mullen’s body was found, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his murder is ongoing. The discovery of Mullen’s body off the side of a rural road by a mechanic led to the arrest of the two women.
The investigation into Mullen’s murder and the involvement of Deller and Lee-Ellis is ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details surrounding the case. The women were arrested following the discovery of Mullen’s body near the Putnam County line. The circumstances leading to Mullen’s death are still unclear, and additional information may be revealed as the investigation progresses. The tragic end to the relationship between Mullen, Deller, and Lee-Ellis has left family and friends grappling with the loss and seeking answers.
