In a shocking turn of events, Donna Adelson, a 75-year-old grandmother from South Florida, was convicted of first-degree murder and related crimes in 2025, bringing closure to a murder-for-hire case that has captivated the public for over a decade. The saga revolves around the death of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, who was gunned down in his Tallahassee driveway on July 18, 2014, after dropping his children off at preschool.
Markel’s tragic murder occurred during a tumultuous period marked by bitter divorce proceedings from his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson. The couple’s custody disputes fueled an intense familial conflict, with Donna Adelson reportedly being a controlling influence in her daughter Wendi’s life and decisions. Wendi and Dan Markel had initially met through a Jewish dating service and married in 2006, but their relationship deteriorated over time, primarily due to disagreements about parenting and living arrangements.
Prosecutors revealed that Donna Adelson, alongside her son Charlie and others, orchestrated a plot to eliminate Markel, allegedly to facilitate Wendi’s relocation back to South Florida with their children. The plot grew increasingly coordinated over the years, culminating in the arrest of two individuals, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, who were charged with Markel’s murder in 2016.
The high-profile case took further twists as investigators unraveled ties among the Adelson family members. Katie Magbanua, linked to Charlie Adelson, was implicated as the facilitator of the murder, leading to multiple arrests and convictions. Charlie Adelson and Magbanua were ultimately found guilty of conspiracy and solicitation in connection to Markel’s death, receiving life sentences in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Following the convictions of her family members, Donna Adelson sought to flee the country but was apprehended at Miami International Airport in 2023. She went to trial in 2025, where she claimed she had no part in the murder plot. Nevertheless, the jury found her guilty, and she was sentenced to life in prison with an additional 30 years for conspiracy and solicitation.
In the fallout of the trial, juror Evan Higginbotham spoke to “20/20” about the compelling evidence presented by the prosecution that led to the decisive guilty verdict against Donna Adelson. The emotional impact of the case endures, particularly for Dan Markel’s family. His mother, Ruth Markel, reflected on her son’s legacy, expressing pride in his role as a devoted father despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
As appeals continue to unfold for Donna and Charlie Adelson, the case serves as a grim reminder of the lengths to which family disagreements can escalate and the devastating consequences that can follow. The Markel case remains a poignant story of loss and the pursuit of justice that resonates deeply within the community and beyond.