Jury selection is wrapping up in the murder case against Donna Adelson, a Florida woman accused of orchestrating the murder of her daughter’s ex.
Previously reported by CrimeOnline, Donna Adelson, at the age of 75, is facing trial in Tallahassee, accused of planning the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel.
She’s facing first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation charges, for the 2014 contract killing.
Donna’s son, Charlie Adelson, his ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, and hitmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera have each been found guilty in relation to this case.
On July 18, 2014, police discovered Dan Markel, who was a professor at Florida State University, fatally shot in the garage of his Tallahassee home. Dan was previously married to Wendi Adelson.
Wendi is Donna Adelson’s daughter.
Court TV reports that Donna Adelson’s trial is taking place in the same courthouse where her son Charlie was convicted. She intends to take the stand to defend herself.
Investigators have indicated that the motive behind Markel’s murder was the Adelson family’s wish for Wendi Adelson and her two young sons to relocate from Tallahassee to south Florida, where the family resided.
Following Wendi and Dan’s divorce settlement in 2013, the couple had agreed to share custody equally. However, the Adelson family, dissatisfied with the 50/50 custody arrangement, sought a larger share of custody.
“These children are growing up without a father,” Nancy Grace previously said. “I find it revolting. I find it horrible that they would do this, no matter how angry they are about the divorce.”
Meanwhile, Wendi Adelson, who has not been charged in the case, is shielded from testifying.
Donna Adelson’s defense team sought to subpoena Wendi to testify, but her lawyer, John Lauro, filed a motion on August 13, stating it would invoke her Fifth Amendment rights, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett ruled Monday in favor of Wendi Adelson’s request.
“I am going to grant the relief that is requested,” Everett said Monday, according to WCTV.
Since her arrest after trying to flee the country in November 2023, Donna Adelson has been held without bail.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Dan Markel/FSU College of Law faculty biographies; Donna Adelson/AP]
