Tallahassee, FL – A Florida grandmother, Donna Adelson, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for orchestrating the 2014 murder of her former son-in-law, Daniel Markel, a well-known law professor. The judge criticized Adelson for showing an “utter lack of remorse” as she continued to maintain her innocence during the sentencing hearing.
Murder Plot and Conviction
Donna Adelson, 75, was convicted last month for masterminding the cold-blooded murder of Daniel Markel, who was shot in the head outside his home in Tallahassee, Florida. Markel was embroiled in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter, at the time of his death. The case remained unsolved for nearly a decade before key players were arrested in 2022.
Markel’s death was the result of a coordinated conspiracy, with Adelson playing a pivotal role in planning the execution-style murder. Charlie Adelson, her son, was convicted of similar charges in 2023. The plot, carried out by hired hitmen, has been described as a meticulously planned act driven by personal motives.
Sentencing and Lack of Remorse
During the sentencing on Monday, Donna Adelson read aloud a statement in which she continued to assert her innocence, claiming that she had no knowledge of the murder plot before Markel’s death. “What happened to Danny is unforgivable. But I am an innocent woman convicted of this terrible crime without evidence,” Adelson said in court, breaking into quiet tears.
She further stated, “If I had become aware of this plan before Danny was murdered, I would have stopped it.” However, Judge Stephen Everett was not moved by her pleas. The judge reminded her that her lack of remorse would be taken into account when determining her sentence, adding, “The level of planning and coordination to bring the murder of Professor Markel to fruition was definitely significant.”
Adelson’s claim of innocence was sharply contradicted by the extensive evidence linking her to the murder-for-hire plot. Judge Everett emphasized the deliberate and calculated nature of the crime, noting that it was not an incident of chance or opportunity but rather an intentional conspiracy involving several individuals.
Details of the Murder and the Conspiracy
On the morning of July 18, 2014, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, members of the infamous Latin Kings gang, followed Daniel Markel to his home after stalking him earlier that day. Garcia, the triggerman, fatally shot Markel in his driveway. Rivera, who later accepted a plea deal, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for his involvement.
The murder-for-hire plot was masterminded by Charlie Adelson and his then-girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua. The two men were hired to execute the murder. Magbanua, who was also involved in the conspiracy, was convicted alongside Charlie Adelson and sentenced to life in prison.
Background of the Family’s Motive
Prosecutors argued that Donna Adelson, head of a prominent South Florida family, had a strong motive to orchestrate Markel’s death due to her hatred for him. The couple had been involved in a long-running custody battle over their two children, which added significant personal and emotional tension to the situation.
The Adelson family’s wealth and influence were key factors in the success of the murder plot. Donna Adelson, along with her son Charlie, had the resources to hire individuals to carry out the violent crime. While Charlie Adelson was arrested and charged in 2022, it took several years for investigators to gather sufficient evidence to arrest and charge Donna Adelson.
The Aftermath and Impact
The murder of Daniel Markel left a lasting impact on the community and his family, particularly his two young children. His death remains one of the most chilling cases of murder-for-hire in recent Florida history. The case also raised difficult questions about the extent of family influence and power when it comes to orchestrating violent acts.
Wendi Adelson, Markel’s ex-wife, has denied any involvement in the murder and has not been charged in the case. Despite numerous accusations and the media spotlight on the Adelson family, Wendi Adelson has maintained her innocence, and there has been no evidence to charge her in connection with her ex-husband’s death.
Donna Adelson’s life sentence will serve as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go to fulfill personal vendettas. Her refusal to show any remorse for her actions and her continued claims of innocence underscore the severity of the crime she orchestrated.
Conclusion
Donna Adelson will spend the rest of her life behind bars for the murder of Daniel Markel, and the family conspiracy surrounding his death is now part of Florida’s criminal history. While Adelson’s son Charlie and Katherine Magbanua have also been sentenced, the involvement of other family members and the continuing legal complexities of the case will likely keep the story in the public eye for years to come.
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