Tallahassee, FL – Donna Adelson, the matriarch of a wealthy South Florida family, was sentenced to life in prison for her involvement in the 2014 murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law, Daniel Markel. The 75-year-old Adelson was convicted last month after a weekslong trial for the first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the killing of the Florida State University law professor.
The Murder and Background of the Case
Markel, who had been engaged in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, was shot and killed at his home in Tallahassee in July 2014. Authorities later connected Donna Adelson to the crime, claiming that she had orchestrated the murder due to ongoing tensions with her son-in-law, particularly related to custody arrangements.
Adelson’s Sentence and Denial of Guilt
During her sentencing hearing on Monday, Donna Adelson maintained her innocence. Shackled and dressed in a purple jail jumpsuit, she addressed the court, stating, “What happened to Danny is unforgivable. But I am an innocent woman convicted of this terrible crime without evidence.” She further added that the jury was unduly influenced by media coverage and denied any involvement in the murder.
Circuit Judge Stephen Everett interrupted Adelson multiple times during her emotional statement, noting what he described as an “utter lack of remorse” for the crime. The judge handed down a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder charge, with an additional 30 years for the other charges, to be served consecutively.
Prosecutors’ View of the Case
Prosecutors painted Adelson as a calculated and controlling matriarch with both the means and motive to orchestrate the killing of her ex-son-in-law. They argued that Adelson, motivated by family tensions and custody battles, hired hitmen to eliminate Markel.
Adelson’s Family Connection to the Crime
Adelson’s son, Charles Adelson, has already been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the plot. At trial, defense attorneys argued that there was insufficient evidence to link Donna Adelson directly to the murder. They emphasized the roles of other family members, including Charles and Wendi, though Wendi Adelson has denied any involvement and has not been charged.
Appeal and Continuing Legal Battles
Adelson has vowed to appeal her conviction, continuing to assert that she was wrongfully convicted of a crime she did not commit.
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