The tragic story of the Daniel Markel death has entered a defining chapter with the conviction of 75-year-old Donna Adelson. After more than a decade of legal battles and trials, a Florida jury found Adelson guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in connection with the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law.
Daniel Markel, a respected Florida State University law professor, was shot execution-style in the driveway of his Tallahassee home on July 18, 2014. His death stemmed from a bitter custody dispute with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, over their two young sons.
Donna Adelson Found Guilty
On September 4, 2025, a jury delivered guilty verdicts against Donna Adelson after just three hours of deliberation. Adelson, who prosecutors described as the mastermind of the murder plot, broke down in tears when the verdict was read. The outburst forced Judge Stephen Everett to briefly remove the jury while she regained composure.
This conviction follows years of prosecutions involving multiple family members and associates connected to the murder-for-hire scheme. Donna Adelson had long been suspected of involvement but was not arrested until November 2023, when she attempted to board a one-way flight to Vietnam.
Case Background
The custody battle between Daniel Markel and Wendi Adelson created deep tension between the families. Wendi’s request to move the children to South Florida was denied by the court, leaving the Adelsons frustrated and determined to change the outcome.
Investigators later uncovered a chain of connections that revealed a carefully orchestrated plan:
- Charles Adelson, Wendi’s brother, was convicted of organizing the murder.
- His then-girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, acted as a go-between.
- Two hitmen, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, carried out the shooting.
Each of these individuals was convicted in earlier trials. Donna Adelson was accused of bankrolling and directing the conspiracy, ensuring that her grandchildren would be closer to her family.
The Trial Against Donna Adelson
The trial began in August 2025 and drew national attention. Prosecutors argued that Donna Adelson had both the motive and the resources to arrange Markel’s death. They presented evidence of her conversations with family members that suggested pressure and planning behind the scenes.
The defense countered by claiming there was no direct proof linking her to the crime. Still, the jury was convinced that the circumstantial evidence and testimony tied her directly to the murder plot.
Statements from the Markel Family
Following the verdict, Daniel’s mother, Ruth Markel, addressed the court with an emotional impact statement. She described her son as “a treasure” whose life was stolen at just 41 years old, leaving the family to endure 11 years of grief.
His father, Phil Markel, called for the maximum sentence, reflecting on the senselessness of the crime. He questioned whether the Adelsons’ pursuit of custody and control was worth the devastating loss of life.
Upcoming Sentencing
Donna Adelson is now awaiting sentencing, with a case management hearing scheduled for October 14, 2025. She faces a mandatory life sentence without parole for first-degree murder. The decision will mark the final chapter of prosecution in one of Florida’s most notorious murder-for-hire cases.
Why the Case Still Resonates
The Daniel Markel death continues to resonate because it highlights how family disputes can spiral into violence. The case underscores the devastating consequences when personal conflicts escalate beyond the legal system and into criminal acts.
This latest conviction brings closure to a long-running investigation that spanned more than a decade. It also ensures that all members of the conspiracy—from the hired gunmen to the alleged masterminds—have been held accountable.
The conviction of Donna Adelson represents both justice for Daniel Markel and a sobering reminder of the fragile balance between family, law, and tragedy. Share your thoughts below—how do you feel about the verdict and the long road it took to reach this point?