The Donna Adelson trial has concluded with a dramatic verdict, marking a significant chapter in a case that has captivated legal and public attention for over a decade. Donna Adelson, the 75-year-old matriarch of an affluent South Florida family, was found guilty of orchestrating the murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law Dan Markel, a law professor at Florida State University.
Adelson’s conviction on September 4, 2025, comes more than 11 years after Markel was fatally shot in the garage of his home in Betton Hills. The trial, which lasted 12 days, saw a 12-person jury deliberate on a range of charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. The verdict was unanimous, solidifying Adelson’s role in the high-profile case.
The case began with the brutal murder of Dan Markel on July 18, 2014. Markel, a prominent family law professor, was gunned down in a targeted assassination that left the community and legal world in shock. Markel's ex-wife, Wendy Adelson, was not charged in the case but her mother, Donna Adelson, was accused of plotting the murder as retribution for their bitter divorce battle.
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence that Adelson had a motive to see Markel dead. The divorce had been contentious, with Markel's ex-wife, Wendy Adelson, seeking primary custody of their children. The prosecution argued that Adelson's involvement was driven by a desire to protect her daughter and ensure her access to the children.
The trial was marked by intense scrutiny and emotional testimony. Witnesses recounted the intricate details of the murder plot, including the hiring of hitmen and the meticulous planning that went into the execution. The jury’s verdict was a culmination of years of investigation and legal proceedings, ultimately leading to Adelson’s conviction on all counts.
The case has broader implications for the legal community, highlighting the intersection of family disputes, criminal conspiracies, and the pursuit of justice. The conviction of Adelson serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of personal vendettas and the legal system's relentless pursuit of truth and accountability.
Following her conviction, Adelson was sentenced to life in prison, a fitting end to a case that has spanned more than a decade. The verdict brings a measure of closure to the Markel family and the broader community, who have long awaited justice for the heinous crime.
