Jury convicts Florida matriarch in murder-for-hire killing of her former son-in-law
Share this @internewscast.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A wealthy South Florida family’s matriarch was found guilty Thursday of murdering her former son-in-law, a renowned law professor caught in a bitter custody dispute with his ex-wife when he was shot dead in 2014.

Jurors delivered guilty verdicts following the lengthy trial of Donna Adelson on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation for the killing of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel in Tallahassee, where he was an educator. The case has captured Florida’s attention for over a decade due to scandalous elements of a turbulent divorce, strained relationships with affluent in-laws, and custody battles culminating in the murder.

When the judge announced that the jury had convicted Adelson of first-degree murder, the defendant exclaimed, “Oh!” and started shaking and crying.

The jury was escorted out of the courtroom, and Florida Second Judicial Circuit Judge Stephen Everett gave Adelson a brief two-minute respite to regain her composure.

“While this was not the outcome I’m sure that you desire, there will not be any further outbursts in front of the jury,” he told her.

In an impact statement after the verdict Ruth Markel, Daniel Markel’s mother, spoke about her profound sadness and grief after her son’s death.

“We have lost a treasure. My son Dan’s life was cut tragically short at 41 years old,” she said. “For 11 years, we have been forced to live with unimaginable pain and heartbreak.”

Daniel Markel and Wendi Adelson had finalized their divorce and shared custody of their two children. However, Wendi had wished to move them over 370 miles (595 kilometers) from Tallahassee to South Florida to be nearer to her family. A judge ruled against Wendi Adelson’s request, and Markel was unwilling to relocate.

Prosecutors stated during the trial that Donna Adelson played a pivotal role in planning Markel’s assassination after he impeded her daughter and two grandsons’ planned move southward.

The judge said sentencing would come “at a later date,” but scheduled case management for Oct. 14.

Adelson was the fifth person put on trial for what prosecutors cast as a murder-for-hire plot to kill Markel. Among those already serving a life sentence for the killing is Donna Adelson’s son, Charles Adelson.

Wendi Adelson denied involvement in the killing and has not been charged.

At trial, prosecutors had painted Donna Adelson as the calculated and controlling matriarch of an affluent South Florida family with the means and motive to orchestrate the killing of the ex-son-in-law she “hated.”

Defense attorneys insisted the state didn’t have sufficient evidence to link the aging grandmother to the murder plot, instead emphasizing the roles played by others and casting suspicion on two of Adelson’s adult children.

Charles Adelson is serving a life sentence, as is his ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua. Prosecutors said Magbanua served as the go-between for the two men hired to carry out the killing, Sigfredo Garcia, who was sentenced to life in prison, and Luis Rivera, who is serving a 19-year sentence after cooperating with the state.

__

Golden reported from Seattle.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Elite FBI video unit that worked Kohberger case spotted at Nancy Guthrie's home

Inside the Elite FBI Video Unit: Exclusive Insights from the Team Behind the Kohberger Case at Nancy Guthrie’s Home

FBI video forensics specialists were recently observed bringing advanced equipment into the…
DOT closes major commercial trucking loophole blamed for illegal immigrants causing fatal crashes

DOT Shuts Down Key Trucking Loophole Linked to Fatal Crashes Involving Undocumented Immigrants

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken decisive action to close a…
Aaron Boone responds after Isiah Kiner-Falefa says Blue Jays preferred Yankees as ALDS opponent

Aaron Boone Addresses Comments by Isiah Kiner-Falefa on Blue Jays’ Preference for Yankees as ALDS Opponent

Aaron Boone, the manager of the New York Yankees, has opted not…
Under Trump’s Direction, DOT Moves to Bar Unvetted Foreign Drivers From U.S. Trucking Industry

Trump Administration Enforces Stricter Regulations to Exclude Unvetted Foreign Drivers from U.S. Trucking Industry

The Trump administration announced a significant safety overhaul on Wednesday, aimed at…
Iranian brutality: Nobel laureate fighting for life after barbaric assault at notorious prison

Iranian Nobel Laureate Faces Life-Threatening Ordeal: Brutal Assault in Infamous Prison Sparks Global Outrage

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has urgently appealed to Iran to cease its…
NY rich kid found not guilty by reason of insanity over murder of millionaire financier dad at posh Irish resort

Insanity Plea Acquits NY Heir in Shocking Murder of Millionaire Father at Luxury Irish Resort

A New York man with a history of mental illness, who once…
Uthmeier: Rhode Island man being extradited to Florida for grooming child on online platforms

Rhode Island Man Faces Extradition to Florida Over Online Child Grooming Charges

According to the Attorney General, the suspect and the minor communicated through…
Former FBI agent urges caution as surveillance video of man in Guthrie area circulates web

Ex-FBI Agent Warns of Privacy Risks as Guthrie Surveillance Footage Gains Online Attention

A recent incident in Tucson has captured public attention after surveillance footage…
Magical adventures and sweet dreams await in Disney Jr. series "BeddyByes" and "Magicampers"

Disney Jr. Unveils Enchanting New Series ‘BeddyByes’ and ‘Magicampers’ for Magical Family Entertainment

Prepare yourself for enchanting adventures and soothing bedtime rituals! Disney Jr. is…
Convicted drive-by killer executed in Oklahoma, requested classic fast-food feast as final meal

Oklahoma Executes Convicted Killer Who Chose Fast-Food Feast for Last Meal

On Tuesday, Kendrick Simpson, convicted of a double murder, was executed by…
Over 700 arrested amid major gang and drug crackdown in Louisiana

More than 700 Arrested in Sweeping Louisiana Gang and Drug Enforcement Operation

In a concerted effort to combat violent crime and drug-related activities in…
CNN host Kaitlan Collins reveals Karoline Leavitt defended her press access in Saudi Arabia

Kaitlan Collins Uncovers Karoline Leavitt’s Stand for Press Freedom in Saudi Arabia

In a recent episode of the “Absolutely Not” podcast hosted by Heather…