Donna Adelson, the 75-year-old matriarch of a wealthy Florida family, has been sentenced to life in prison for her role in the 2014 murder-for-hire plot that led to the death of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel.
The sentencing took place on Monday, October 13, in a Tallahassee courtroom, following Adelson’s conviction on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. She was arrested in November 2023 and found guilty in September this year, according to the Associated Press and the Tallahassee Democrat.
During the hearing, Adelson appeared calm and composed as she stood before the court in a purple jail jumpsuit and shackles. Speaking before the judge, she maintained her innocence, claiming she had no role in Markel’s killing.
“If I had become aware of this plan before Danny was murdered, I would have stopped it,” Adelson said. “What happened to Danny is unforgivable. But I am an innocent woman convicted of this terrible crime without evidence. I swear to you on my life I was not involved in any way with Danny’s murder. I was not.”
However, Circuit Judge Stephen Everett dismissed her claims, saying her lack of remorse was evident. “You certainly can choose to deny your involvement and maintain innocence,” the judge said. “But the court finds the evidence in this case is clear.”
Markel, 41, was shot twice in the head at close range while sitting in his car outside his Tallahassee home in July 2014. He had just dropped off his children at preschool when two hitmen approached and attacked him. He died in hospital 14 hours later.
Investigations revealed the killing was part of a murder-for-hire plot connected to a bitter custody battle between Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter. A judge had previously denied Wendi’s request to move their children from Tallahassee to South Florida — a decision that reportedly angered her family.
Several people have already been convicted in connection to the killing. Donna’s son, Charlie Adelson, 47, was found guilty last year of the same charges. His former girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, and the two hitmen — Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia — were also sentenced for their roles in the crime. Rivera, a leader of the Latin Kings gang, received a 19-year sentence, while Garcia was sentenced to life in prison.
