The Daniel Markel death case reached a significant milestone on Thursday, September 4, 2025, when a jury convicted Donna Adelson on all charges related to the murder-for-hire plot that killed the Florida State University law professor in 2014. Donna Adelson gasped and began sobbing as the judge read the three verdicts aloud: guilty of first degree murder, guilty of conspiracy and guilty of solicitation in the 2014 shooting death of her former son in law Dan Markel.
Historic Conviction After Decade-Long Investigation
The matriarch of a wealthy South Florida family was convicted Thursday of murder charges in the killing of Daniel Markel, her former son-in-law and a prominent law professor who was locked in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife when he was gunned down in 2014. The conviction represents the culmination of an investigation that has spanned over a decade and resulted in multiple arrests and convictions.
Donna Adelson, 73, faced charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before reaching their unanimous verdict. The prosecution successfully argued that Adelson orchestrated the murder-for-hire scheme that resulted in Markel being shot at his Tallahassee home on July 18, 2014.
The Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy
More than a decade after two hit men stalked and killed a law professor in Florida, the alleged mastermind of the murder-for-hire plot is finally on trial – the victim’s former mother-in-law. The case revealed a complex web of family disputes, custody battles, and alleged financial arrangements that prosecutors say led to Markel’s death.
Daniel Markel, a prominent law professor at Florida State University, was shot in his garage in July 2014. The killing occurred amid a bitter custody dispute between Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, who is Donna Adelson’s daughter. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Markel had been stalked by the hitmen, who tracked his movements before carrying out the assassination.
Key Players in the Case
The conviction of Donna Adelson adds another chapter to a case that has already seen several convictions:
- Luis Rivera: One of the two convicted hitmen in the murder, Rivera was recently released from federal prison in June 2025 after serving his sentence
- Katherine Magbanua: Katherine Magbanua, who has been convicted for the murder of Dan Markel and is serving a life sentence, testifies in the trial of Donna Adelson on August 26.
- Charlie Adelson: Donna Adelson’s son, a dentist who was previously convicted in connection with the murder plot
Trial Details and Evidence
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on testimony from co-conspirators and evidence of the family’s alleged involvement in planning Markel’s murder. Katherine Magbanua testified during the trial, providing crucial details about the murder plot, including testimony about money that was physically washed by Donna Adelson.
Family Aftermath
Following the 2016 arrests, Wendi Adelson cut off contact between Markel’s parents and their grandsons. She also took the step of changing her sons’ last names from Markel to Adelson, claiming it was for their safety. This action has added another layer of tragedy to the case, as Markel’s parents have been unable to maintain contact with their grandchildren.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The conviction brings closure to one phase of this complex legal saga, though sentencing proceedings are expected to follow. Donna Adelson faces the possibility of life in prison for the first-degree murder conviction. The case has captivated Florida residents and legal observers nationwide due to its intricate web of family dynamics and the methodical nature of the murder-for-hire plot.
The Daniel Markel death case serves as a stark reminder of how family disputes can escalate to tragic extremes. As the legal proceedings continue, many will be watching to see what sentence Donna Adelson receives and whether this conviction finally brings some measure of justice for Daniel Markel’s family and friends.
What are your thoughts on this decade-long legal saga finally reaching this significant verdict? Share your perspective in the comments below as this story continues to unfold.