PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — The woman accused of killing her ex-boyfriend and burying his body in a shallow grave made her first court appearance in 2025.
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30-year-old Caylen Deller is the woman police said is responsible for leaving Putnam County on edge for almost two months while locals searched tirelessly for 53-year-old Chad Mullen, someone they would never find alive.
Action News Jax reported back in November that Deller is facing first-degree murder charges and possibly the death penalty for the murder of Mullen.
Caylen Deller was seen smiling in both of her mugshots.
She was arrested in Volusia County for Mullen’s murder and then moved to the Putnam County jail.
The family of Chad Mullen told Action News Jax Shanila Kabir he was shot and killed exactly four months ago on September 9. They said it has been a long four months of searching, grieving, and seeking justice for Chad. It is just the beginning of a long court process and eventual trial.
Mullen’s daughter Holli said the last time she saw Caylen Deller in person was when her father was still alive.
“When I saw her come into the courtroom, I broke down. I didn’t expect to, but I got really sick because it was my first time seeing her since everything. It was so surreal,” said Holli Mullen.
Deller is accused of shooting and killing Mullen and then burying his body on a farm in Hastings.
Holli Mullen said she is prepared for this long court process’s toll on the family.
“ I want it to be over, but I know we will get justice eventually. She will be put to justice for the rest of her life.”
Deller’s co-defendant Tina Lee-Ellis is charged with helping Deller hide the body after the fact. She made bail last month, while Deller remains behind bars.
Her ex-partner, Ken Wadell shared how he helped deputies track her down and make the arrest back in November. He set up a meeting for Deller to see their daughter.
“She got a puppy for our daughter, and I told her I wanted it. We set up a meeting and then the sheriff grabbed her. Because they didn’t know where she was at the time when the warrant came out,” said Wadell.
Today’s appearance was just a pre-trial check-in for Deller. Her next hearing is scheduled for May 8th
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