“Donna Adelson convicted in murder-for-hire plot of Dan Markel. Explore trial details, verdict, and its impact on the Florida justice system.”
The shocking conviction of Donna Adelson, a Florida grandmother, has left the nation stunned. Once known for her wealthy family background, she is now infamous for her role in a tragic murder-for-hire plot that claimed the life of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel.
The case began after a bitter custody battle and spiraled into a calculated crime that shook the Florida justice system. During her highly publicized 12-day trial, prosecutors revealed how Adelson’s family ties and hidden schemes led to a guilty verdict. Today, her name stands as a chilling reminder of how family disputes can turn into devastating tragedies.
Who Is Donna Adelson?
Donna Adelson, 75, belonged to an affluent South Florida family. Known as a respected matriarch, she once appeared as a caring mother and grandmother. But behind that image, prosecutors say she helped orchestrate one of the most shocking cases in the Florida justice system.
Her former son-in-law, Daniel Markel, was a Florida State University law professor. He was killed in his Tallahassee driveway on July 18, 2014. Markel, a graduate of Harvard University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, left behind two young sons whose lives were permanently changed.
Donna Adelson Trial: Jury Verdict After 12 Days
The 12-day trial took place in Florida and kept the nation watching. Both sides presented witnesses, recordings, and testimonies to reveal the truth behind the killing.
The jury verdict came quickly. After only three hours of deliberation, jurors declared Donna Adelson guilty. They found her responsible for a carefully planned murder-for-hire plot against Dan Markel, calling it a calculated and cold-blooded murder.
Donna Adelson Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy
Prosecutors charged Donna Adelson with first-degree murder, solicitation to commit murder, and conspiracy charges. The guilty verdict shocked many in the courtroom, especially since she always denied involvement.
Convictions of this type mean long prison terms. In her case, she now faces a possible life sentence. The charges reflect the seriousness of hiring hitmen and conspiring in a divorce case that escalated into violence.
Donna Adelson Case: Murder-for-Hire Plot Explained
The scheme was dark and complex. Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter, had divorced Daniel Markel. A bitter custody battle followed, with Wendi wanting to move her children closer to South Florida.
Prosecutors revealed that Charles Adelson, Donna’s son, worked with Katherine Magbanua, who arranged the killers. The hitmen were Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera. Rivera later accepted a plea deal and testified against the others.
Emotional Outburst: Donna Adelson’s Reaction in Court
When the guilty verdict was read, Donna Adelson broke down. Witnesses described her emotional courtroom reaction as she sobbed loudly, unable to hide her pain.
The dramatic outburst highlighted the pressure and weight of the trial. It was a moment that revealed the collapse of a powerful family once seen as untouchable in their community.
Family Ties: Inside the Donna Adelson Family’s Role in the Case
The Adelson family became central to the entire story. Charles Adelson is already serving a life sentence for his role. His former girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, was also convicted.
The network of family involvement left a deep community impact on crime in Florida. What began as family tensions over grandchild custody became a violent tragedy that destroyed trust in the family’s image.
Donna Adelson Sentencing Date and Possible Prison Term
After the verdict, Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett announced that Donna Adelson would return for a case management hearing on October 14. At that time, her official sentence will be scheduled.
She faces life in prison, which many see as justice for a mother who turned to crime to solve family disputes. The decision is a warning to others about the risks of plotting against the law.
Donna Adelson Case: Dan Markel’s Parents Seek Justice
For Phil Markel and Ruth Markel, the pain has lasted more than a decade. In court, they shared their heartbreak, describing how they lost a devoted father and brilliant scholar.
Ruth reminded the court that Dan Markel was not only a legal mind but also a loving dad. His children, Benjamin and Lincol,n lost their hero, while the grandparents were cut out of their lives after his death.
Legal Experts Weigh In on the Donna Adelson Murder Trial
Prosecutor Georgia Cappleman (prosecutor) admitted in her closing arguments that no single “smoking gun” existed but said the evidence tied Donna Adelson directly to the crime.
On the other side, Jackie Fulford (defense attorney) argued there was not enough proof, calling her client innocent. Experts say the trial will be studied for its complexity and role in shaping future cases.
Future Implications: What the Donna Adelson Case Means for the Florida Justice System
The Donna Adelson case of 2025 is more than a family tragedy. It has reshaped how courts handle murder-for-hire plots in Florida.
The conviction sends a message that wealth and influence cannot protect anyone from justice. It also raises broader questions about the balance between family conflicts, legal battles, and violent outcomes in the Florida justice system.
Case Summary Table
| Key Person | Role in Case | Outcome |
| Donna Adelson | Accused mastermind | Guilty, faces life in prison |
| Daniel Markel | Victim, law professor | Serving a life sentence |
| Charles Adelson | Son of Donna, linked to plan | Son of Donna, linked to the plan |
| Katherine Magbanua | Linked accomplice | Convicted, life in prison |
| Sigfredo Garcia | Hitman | Convicted, life in prison |
| Luis Rivera | Hitman | 7 years after plea deal |
FAQs
What happened to Donna Adelson?
Donna Adelson was found guilty in the murder-for-hire plot of her son-in-law, Dan Markel, and faces life in prison.
Was Wendi Adelson ever charged?
Wendi Adelson has not been charged, though her role in the case has been closely examined during the trial.
Who is Wendi Adelson married to now?
Wendi Adelson is not currently married; she divorced Dan Markel before his murder.
Did Donna Adelson get a bond?
No, Donna Adelson was denied bond due to the severity of her first-degree murder conviction.
How did Miriam Adelson get so rich?
Miriam Adelson became wealthy through her late husband Sheldon Adelson’s casino empire and her own medical career.
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