Donna Adelson, matriarch of a prominent South Florida family, appeared via Zoom for a case management hearing related to the murder of FSU law professor Dan Markel. This marks Adelson’s first court appearance since January in a case that has captivated national attention for nearly a decade.
During the hearing, presided over by Leon County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Everett, several key decisions were made regarding the upcoming trial. Adelson’s defense team, led by Daniel Rashbaum, successfully requested an extension for the deadline concerning demonstrative exhibits. The new deadline is set for September 4th, giving the defense more time to exchange these materials with the prosecution. However, other crucial deadlines remain unchanged. Both the witness list and the exhibit list must be submitted by August 12th, coinciding with the deadline for all motions and discovery.
A final pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 12th, with jury selection slated to commence on September 17th. Judge Everett anticipates the jury selection process will span three to four days, followed immediately by the trial itself. Rashbaum also requested a change of courtroom within the courthouse, a request Judge Everett is currently considering. Furthermore, the defense indicated their intention to file several motions, adding another layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Defense attorney Alex Morris voiced concerns regarding the anticipated number of witnesses, prompting Judge Everett to emphasize the importance of adhering to the established timeline.
Adelson faces a first-degree murder charge for her alleged involvement in the orchestrated killing of Dan Markel, her former son-in-law. This complex case involves a web of individuals already convicted and serving sentences for their roles in the murder-for-hire plot.
Charlie Adelson, Donna’s son and a periodontist, was found guilty of orchestrating the murder. He hired hitmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera to carry out the killing. Katherine Magbanua, Charlie’s ex-girlfriend, acted as the intermediary between Charlie and the hitmen. All three are currently incarcerated.
The case stems from a bitter custody dispute between Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, who is Charlie’s sister and Donna’s daughter. The prosecution’s theory posits that Charlie orchestrated the murder at Donna’s behest, motivated by her desire for Wendi and her grandsons to relocate from Tallahassee to South Florida.
Donna Adelson’s arrest last November, just a week after Charlie’s conviction, further intensified the drama surrounding this case. Her apprehension occurred as she attempted to board a one-way flight to Vietnam, raising questions about her intentions and potential flight risk.
The upcoming trial is expected to shed light on the intricate details of this long-running saga, offering a closer examination of the alleged roles played by each individual involved in the tragic death of Dan Markel. The proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched by legal experts and the public alike, as the quest for justice in this high-profile case continues.
This case continues to unfold with significant implications for all involved. The September trial will be a pivotal moment in determining the extent of Donna Adelson’s alleged involvement and bringing a measure of closure to this complex and tragic story.
