Donna Adelson murder trial enters second week of testimony as prosecutors rest case
Court is back in session for the second week of testimony in the murder-for-hire trial of Donna Adelson, the 75-year-old former matriarch accused in the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. Today marks the tenth day of proceedings, with the state having rested its case last Friday after presenting a parade of investigators, undercover agents, one of the alleged hitmen, two of Adelson’s children and jailhouse informants.
The trial has focused on a web of connections tied to a high-profile murder-for-hire scheme. Adelson is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the case, which has already yielded convictions against several others, including her son Charlie Adelson, who was found guilty in 2023. Prosecutors allege that Adelson helped organize the plot to kill Markel, who was involved in a custody battle with his ex-wife Wendi over their two young sons.
Two jailhouse informants provided dramatic testimony that substantialized the state’s narrative. Patricia Byrd and Drina Bernhardt testified that Adelson discussed the case from behind bars and that Bernhardt was pressured to lie to investigators. Bernhardt disclosed that she was allegedly offered money and even a grand piano to fabricate testimony, and she described being given a “script” to study and recite on the stand. The witnesses indicated Adelson suggested lying about what she had said and even wrote out notes she expected to convey if questioned.
In addition to the jailhouse accounts, other witnesses who testified in recent days included police investigators and a handwriting expert, who were called as the prosecution wrapped up its presentation. With the state’s case concluded, the defense will now present its witnesses and arguments.
Even as the defense prepares, observers note that the timeline for a verdict remains uncertain. Attorneys for Adelson told the judge they would offer an estimate on Tuesday morning regarding how many days the defense will need to present its case. After the defense rests, both sides will deliver closing arguments, and the judge will give jury instructions before deliberations begin.
The courtroom has already seen a rapid pace, with jurors taking only a few hours to convict Adelson’s son, Charlie, in the same sprawling case. The ongoing trial continues to unfold against the backdrop of a case that has drawn national attention to the intricate dynamics of family, money, and crime.
Public access to the proceedings is being provided through live streaming and regular updates, allowing observers to follow the testimony as it unfolds at the Tallahassee courthouse and on related local outlets.
Commentary and context:
– The jailhouse testimonies are pivotal, but credibility will be a major focus for the defense as it works to counter claims of manipulation or coercion.
– The defense’s strategy will likely emphasize the possibility of false memories, misstatements, or coerced testimony from informants.
– The sustained attention on Charlie Adelson’s conviction highlights how the broader family network has already faced consequences, which may shape jurors’ perceptions as this trial progresses.
– The legal process here underscores the complexity of murder-for-hire prosecutions, where motive, alignment of interests, and alleged conspiratorial planning must be demonstrated across multiple witnesses and pieces of evidence.
Summary:
– The Adelson murder trial has moved into its second week as the state rests its case and the defense prepares to present its witnesses.
– Key developments include jailhouse informants alleging attempts to influence testimony and claims of a written script for what to say on the stand.
– A verdict timeline remains fluid, with closing arguments and jury instructions likely after the defense presents its case.
If you’re following the trial, expect additional witness testimony from Adelson’s defense team in the coming days, as the courtroom continues to weigh the credibility of jailhouse accounts against the broader narrative of the case. The outcome remains to be determined, but the ongoing proceedings illustrate the meticulous nature of high-stakes criminal litigation.