The highly anticipated trial of Donna Adelson, accused of orchestrating the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, has been postponed following the unexpected resignation of her defense attorney, Dan Rashbaum. Jury selection was scheduled to commence, but Rashbaum’s withdrawal has thrown the proceedings into disarray. This delay adds another layer of complexity to a case that has captivated the nation for over a decade.
From Left to Right: Donna Adelson and Charlie Adelson (Leon County Sheriff’s Office)
Rashbaum’s resignation stems from a conflict of interest arising from his previous representation of Donna’s son, Charlie Adelson, who was convicted of Markel’s murder earlier this year. Charlie alleges he never waived the conflict, hindering Rashbaum’s ability to effectively cross-examine him as a potential state witness in Donna’s trial. While Alex Morris remains on retainer for Donna, he requires additional time to prepare and secure co-counsel.
A Decade of Intrigue: The Dan Markel Case
The murder of Dan Markel, a prominent Florida State University law professor, has been a source of public fascination and legal scrutiny. Shot in his Tallahassee garage on July 18, 2014, Markel’s death sparked a complex investigation that unearthed a web of alleged conspiracies and family disputes.
Prosecutors allege that Donna Adelson, matriarch of a prominent South Florida family, orchestrated Markel’s murder due to a contentious custody battle between Markel and her daughter, Wendi Adelson, following their divorce. They contend that Donna, desperate to have her grandchildren closer to her Miami home, enlisted her son, Charlie, to arrange the hit.
Dan Markel (Florida State University)
The Players and Their Fates: Unraveling the Alleged Conspiracy
The alleged murder-for-hire plot involved a cast of characters whose lives became entangled in the tragic events surrounding Markel’s death.
Luis Rivera: A former Latin Kings gang leader, Rivera confessed to his involvement in the murder, testifying that he and Sigfredo Garcia drove from Miami to Tallahassee to carry out the hit. Rivera accepted a plea deal in 2016, receiving a 19-year prison sentence in exchange for his cooperation.
Sigfredo Garcia: Identified as the triggerman by Rivera, Garcia was convicted of first-degree murder in 2019 and sentenced to life in prison.
Katherine Magbanua: Charlie Adelson’s ex-girlfriend, Magbanua, was accused of connecting the Adelsons to the hitmen. After a mistrial in 2019, she was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation to commit murder in a 2022 retrial, receiving a life sentence.
Charlie Adelson: Convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life without parole, Charlie was portrayed by prosecutors as the key link between his mother and the individuals who carried out the murder.
Donna Adelson: Facing Justice
Donna Adelson’s arrest on November 13, 2024, at Miami International Airport as she attempted to board a one-way flight to Vietnam with her husband, Harvey, marked a dramatic turn in the case. She faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder. While her husband and daughter have not been charged, their potential involvement remains a lingering question.
What’s Next?
With Donna Adelson’s trial delayed, the search for justice in the Dan Markel case continues. A case management hearing is scheduled for October 15, where the court will address the next steps in the proceedings. The legal maneuvering and unfolding drama surrounding this complex case promise to remain a focal point for years to come. The intricacies of the alleged conspiracy, the motivations of the accused, and the pursuit of justice continue to grip the public’s attention, making the Dan Markel murder a compelling and tragic chapter in American legal history. The delay in Donna Adelson’s trial only deepens the mystery and anticipation surrounding the final resolution of this long and winding legal saga.
