TALLAHASSEE, Fla., September 6, 2025— A South Florida matriarch, Donna Adelson, 75, was found guilty on September 4 of orchestrating the 2014 execution-style killing of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. The verdict comes more than a decade after the murder stunned Tallahassee amid a bitter custody battle.
Background
In July 2014, Dan Markel was shot twice in the head in his Tallahassee garage and died the following day. At the time, Markel was involved in a heated divorce with Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter—she had sought to relocate their two sons to South Florida, a move blocked by the court. Prosecutors allege Donna helped orchestrate the murder to remove the obstacle posed by Markel’s opposition.People.comAP NewsWikipedia
Donna Adelson was arrested in November 2023 at Miami International Airport while attempting to flee to Vietnam on a one-way ticket. Authorities noted that Vietnam lacks an extradition agreement with the U.S.People.comThe IndependentWikipedia
Trial & Emotional Courtroom Moments
During the tense trial, the jury heard prosecutors present evidence—including emails, jailhouse phone calls, and testimony from Wendi Adelson (granted immunity) and other witnesses implicating Donna in planning and financing the murder.IndiatimesCourt TVwplg
When the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts—first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation—Donna Adelson yelled “Oh my God!” and began sobbing uncontrollably. Judge Stephen Everett warned her to regain composure or face removal from proceedings, before granting her a brief two-minute break.People.comAP News
Statements from the Courtroom
Markel’s father, Phil, delivered an emotionally charged statement:
“I wish her to live to 120, alone in her jail cell… Was it worth it?”People.com
Markel’s mother added:
“We have lost a treasure. My son Dan’s life was cut tragically short at 41 years old.”AP News
What’s Next
Sentencing has not yet been set. A case management hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2025, during which a specific sentencing date will likely be determined.AP News
Legal & Social Implications
With all key defendants now convicted—including Donna’s son Charlie Adelson, Katherine Magbanua, and the hired killers—the long saga appears headed toward closure. Still, the broader ramifications remain unresolved:
The decades-old custody battle and bitter family conflict continue to cast a shadow over public perception.
The case prompted changes in Florida law regarding grandparent visitation rights, known informally as the “Markel Act.”Wikipedia
The verdict may raise deeper questions about familial power, privilege, and justice in high-profile crimes.
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