Florida Grandmother Found Guilty in Murder-for-Hire Plot That Killed Her Former Son-in-Law
A Florida jury has convicted 75-year-old Donna Adelson in the murder-for-hire killing of her former son-in-law, FSU law professor Daniel Markel. The verdict ends a decade-long case tied to a bitter custody battle.
Tallahassee, Fla. (AP) — Donna Adelson, a 75-year-old matriarch from a wealthy South Florida family, has been convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in connection with the 2014 murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel. The verdict, delivered by a jury after a weeks-long trial, follows a case that has captured public attention for more than a decade.AP News
The Fatal Custody Battle
Markel’s murder unfolded amid a bitter custody dispute after his divorce from Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter. Wendi wanted to relocate with their two children to South Florida to be closer to family, but Markel resisted, and the judge denied the move. Prosecutors argue that Donna Adelson orchestrated Markel’s killing to eliminate this custody barrier.AP News+1
Courtroom Emotions and Immediate Reactions
As the verdict was read, Donna Adelson visibly collapsed in the courtroom—exclaiming “Oh!” and breaking into tears. She was granted a brief recess to compose herself. The judge sternly reminded her to remain composed in front of the jury.AP News
In an impact statement, Markel’s mother delivered a poignant message:
“We have lost a treasure. My son Dan's life was cut tragically short at 41 years old… For 11 years we have been forced to a life filled with unimaginable pain and heartbreak.”AP News
A Network of Convictions
Donna Adelson becomes the fifth person convicted in relation to Markel’s murder. Previously, her son, Charles Adelson, was sentenced to life in prison, as was his ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, who allegedly served as an intermediary to the hired killers. The triggerman, Sigfredo Garcia, also received a life sentence, while Luis Rivera, who cooperated with authorities, received a reduced sentence.AP News+1
What’s Next?
Sentencing has not been set yet. The judge scheduled a case management hearing for October 14, where further details on sentencing will be addressed.AP News
Broader Context and Significance
This conviction closes a long and complex chapter that began in 2014, when Markel was shot execution-style in his Tallahassee driveway. The case laid bare the deep divisions within the Adelson family—including motivations driven by class, custody, and control.
Donna Adelson’s defense had insisted there was no direct evidence linking her to the murder plot, painting her as a loving grandmother rather than a cold orchestrator. The prosecution, however, built their case on emails, financial trails, and coordinated testimony showing Donna’s involvement.IndiatimesAP News
Why This Matters
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Legal Precedent: The verdict underscores how familial influence and wealth do not shield against accountability—especially in extreme criminal conspiracies.
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Custody Disputes Turned Deadly: This is a grim reminder of how high-stakes custody battles can escalate beyond the courtroom.
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Long-Term Impact: Eleven years of judicial proceedings, layered testimony, and media scrutiny culminated in this outcome.
Behind the Headlines
Earning this verdict was a prosecutorial achievement requiring coordination across multiple trials and witnesses over many years. The case’s complexity—melding law, family dynamics, and murder—made it one of Florida’s most sensational. Analysts note how such cases challenge both legal resources and public resolve.
