Donna Adelson Murder Trial: Slain Florida Law Professor’s Ex Shielded from Testifying
Share this @internewscast.com

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]

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Discovery: Woman Charged with Murder After 4-Year-Old Found Dead in Car Trunk

Inset: Jessica M. Motes (Hall County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Police responding to…

Victoria Introduces Enhanced Safeguards for Retail Workers Against Violent Offenders

The Victorian Government is set to unveil new legislation today aimed at…

Texas Law Professor Mysteriously Disappears During North Georgia Hiking Trip

In the picturesque yet challenging terrain of North Georgia, authorities are on…

ICE Confirms Destruction of Crucial Video Linked to Detention Lawsuit

Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Kristi Noem at a campaign rally…

Father and Girlfriend Face Charges for Allegedly Starving 5-Year-Old Girl

A disturbing case has emerged from Utah, where a father and his…

Adoptive Son Faces Courtroom Showdown: Prosecutors Reveal Motive in Dima Tower Double Murder Trial

A Florida man has invoked a “temporary insanity” defense in connection with…

Nine-Year-Old Melodee Reported Missing; Mother Released with Ankle Monitor and Declines Comment

Concerns arose when Melodee Buzzard was initially reported missing, with school officials…

Shocking Lawsuit Reveals Dangerous Bacteria Contamination in Popular Baby Formula

Inset: Piper Everett (Facebook/Hanna Everett). Background: The Kentucky Children’s Hospital where Piper…

Police Report Suspect Described Deadly Shooting as Act of Compassion

Background: News footage of the Fishers, Ind. neighborhood where Cameron Doaks was…

Shocking Discovery: Police Find Children Abandoned in Appalling Home Conditions

Left: A photo of the inside of Teriomas Johnson”s home (Oakland County…

Legal Drama Unfolds: Comey and Letitia James Move to Dismiss Amidst Lindsey Halligan Controversy

Main: Attorney General Pam Bondi appears before a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight…

Clarence Thomas Delivers Final Verdict on ‘Mad Dog’ Killer’s Fate: Justice Sealed

Inset left: Bryan Jennings (Florida Department of Corrections). Inset right: Rebecca “Becky”…