TALLAHASSEE, FL – Donna Adelson, 75, was found guilty this week of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. Jurors deliberated roughly three hours on Thursday, Sept. 4, before returning the verdict. Sentencing has not yet been set; the murder count carries a mandatory life sentence.
Snapshot (Key Facts)
- Verdict: Guilty on first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder.
- When: Verdict reached Sept. 4, 2025 after ~3 hours of deliberations.
- Why prosecutors said it happened: Custody/relocation dispute involving Adelson’s daughter, Wendi, and Markel.
- Prior convictions in the same plot: Charlie Adelson (son), Katherine Magbanua, and gunmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera.
- What’s next: Sentencing date pending; first-degree murder conviction requires life in prison.
What Happened in Court
The jury’s quick turnaround capped a roughly two-week trial that traced money movements, family communications, and the broader conspiracy already established in earlier prosecutions. Adelson broke down as the verdict was read; coverage from multiple outlets noted the judge briefly admonished her during the outburst.
Why Prosecutors Said the Killing Occurred
Prosecutors argued the motive centered on a long-running custody and relocation fight: Markel had opposed Wendi Adelson’s move with their children from Tallahassee to South Florida. That friction, they said, led to the family-backed plot that ended with Markel being shot outside his home in 2014.
How Investigators Connected the Case
The case against the Adelson network was built over years through wiretaps, recorded conversations, cooperation from one gunman, and financial links among key players. Earlier trials of the gunmen and an intermediary girlfriend established core facts; this proceeding focused on Donna Adelson’s role financing and facilitating the plan.
Who Else Has Been Convicted
- Charlie Adelson (son): convicted in 2023; serving life.
- Katherine Magbanua (Charlie’s ex-girlfriend): convicted and serving life.
- Sigfredo Garcia & Luis Rivera (gunmen): previously convicted.
Arrest and Flight Risk Background
Adelson was arrested in November 2023 at Miami International Airport as she and her husband prepared to travel toward Vietnam – a country without a U.S. extradition treaty – after years of investigation momentum in the case.
What’s Next (Sentencing & Appeals)
A sentencing date had not been set as of press time. By statute, the first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence; appeal options remain, as with prior co-defendants.
FAQ
When was the verdict?
Sept. 4, 2025, after roughly three hours of deliberations.
What exactly was she convicted of?
First-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder.
Is a life sentence automatic here?
Yes. A first-degree murder conviction in Florida carries a mandatory life sentence. Sentencing is pending.
How did this tie back to the custody dispute?
Prosecutors said the family wanted Wendi Adelson to relocate with the children to South Florida; Markel opposed it under court orders, which prosecutors argued was the motive for the murder-for-hire scheme.
Who has already been punished in the case?
Charlie Adelson (life), Katherine Magbanua (life), and gunmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera (convicted in earlier trials).
Why is Adelson’s 2023 airport arrest relevant?
Prosecutors pointed to it as evidence of flight risk and consciousness of guilt; she was detained while heading toward Vietnam, which lacks a U.S. extradition treaty.
What did the courtroom scene look like?
Reporters and video show Adelson sobbing as the verdict was read; the judge briefly admonished her and managed the courtroom before proceedings continued.
Has Wendi Adelson been charged?
No. Wendi testified at her mother’s trial; she has denied involvement in the plot.
