The mother of a wealthy South Florida family was found guilty of murder on Thursday in connection to the death of her former son-in-law, a well-known law professor from Toronto who was embroiled in a contentious custody battle with his ex-wife before being shot in 2014.
Following a lengthy trial, jurors delivered a verdict against Donna Adelson, convicting her of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the killing of Daniel Markel, a professor at Florida State University. The case garnered significant attention in Florida over the span of more than ten years due to the intricate details of a messy divorce, strained relationships with affluent in-laws, and custody disputes that ultimately led to Markel’s death.
When the judge announced the guilty verdict for first-degree murder, Donna Adelson reacted emotionally, exclaiming “Oh!” and breaking into tears and tremors. The jury was escorted out of the courtroom, and Judge Stephen Everett of the Florida Second Judicial Circuit provided Adelson with a brief two-minute recess to compose herself, cautioning against further disruptions during the trial proceedings.
In a statement following the verdict, Ruth Markel, Daniel’s mother, expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of her son, highlighting the profound impact his untimely death had on their family for over a decade.
Daniel Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, shared custody of their two children, with Wendi seeking to relocate them closer to her family in South Florida. However, a court ruling prevented the move, leading to a standoff as Markel refused to allow the relocation. Prosecutors argued that Donna Adelson played a role in orchestrating Markel’s murder as he obstructed her daughter’s plans to move with the grandchildren.
Sentencing for Donna Adelson is scheduled for a later date, with case management set for October 14. She becomes the fifth individual to face trial in connection with the alleged murder-for-hire scheme targeting Markel. Notably, Charles Adelson, Donna’s son, is already serving a life sentence for his involvement in the crime.
While Wendi Adelson has denied any involvement in the killing and remains uncharged, prosecutors portrayed Donna Adelson as the mastermind behind the murder plot, accusing her of harboring animosity towards her former son-in-law. Defense attorneys countered by asserting the lack of conclusive evidence linking Donna Adelson to the crime, redirecting focus towards other suspects, including her adult children.
Key figures implicated in the case include Charles Adelson, who is serving a life sentence, and Katherine Magbanua, his former girlfriend, also imprisoned. Prosecutors alleged that Magbanua facilitated communication between hired hitmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, with Garcia sentenced to life in prison and Rivera serving a 19-year term after cooperating with authorities.
