The matriarch of a wealthy family in South Florida, United States, has been convicted of murder in the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, a well-known law professor who was embroiled in a bitter custody battle with her daughter.
On Thursday, a jury found Donna Adelson guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the death of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel, who was gunned down outside his Tallahassee home.
The high-profile case gripped Florida for more than a decade, drawing attention to the messy divorce, custody disputes, and tense family dynamics that prosecutors said led to the killing.
When the verdict was read, Adelson exclaimed, “Oh!” before breaking down in tears and shaking uncontrollably. Florida Second Judicial Circuit Judge Stephen Everett quickly dismissed the jury and gave her two minutes to regain 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,” the judge cautioned.
Following the decision, Ruth Markel, the victim’s mother, delivered a powerful impact statement.
“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 a life filled with unimaginable pain and heartbreak.”
Daniel Markel and Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter, had divorced but shared custody of their two children. Wendi sought to relocate with them to South Florida, more than 370 miles (595 kilometers) away, but a judge barred the move.
Markel also refused to leave Tallahassee. Prosecutors argued that Donna Adelson orchestrated the murder after her son-in-law blocked her daughter and grandchildren from moving closer to her.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, though the judge set a case management hearing for October 14.
Donna Adelson became the fifth person tried in connection with what prosecutors described as a murder-for-hire plot.
Her son, Charles Adelson, is already serving a life sentence for his role, while Wendi Adelson has denied any involvement and has not been charged.
During trial, prosecutors portrayed Donna as a calculating, controlling matriarch with both motive and resources to eliminate Markel, whom she “hated.”
Defense lawyers countered that prosecutors lacked direct evidence against her, instead shifting suspicion toward her adult children.
Others already convicted in the case include Charles Adelson’s former girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, who is serving life; Sigfredo Garcia, one of the hired gunmen, also sentenced to life; and Luis Rivera, who received a 19-year sentence after cooperating with authorities.
