UPDATED:
Donna Adelson in court Monday and speaking for the first time as she is sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of her former son-in-law Dan Markel.
However, Donna maintained her innocence.
"There are two crimes here," said Adelson to the court. "The first was Danny being viciously murdered, the second one is taking my life, the life of an innocent woman."
Adelson also condemned the State's arguments against her.
"Where is the evidence prior to the morning of July 18 2014?" said Adelson.
Her husband, Harvey Adelson, supported her by taking the stand as a character witness, also alleging her innocence.
"You are sending an innocent woman to prison," said Harvey Adelson. "You have taken my wife and you have taken my life as well."
Harvey Adelson also criticized the court system, to stern warning by Judge Stephen Everett.
"A biased Judge and jury were influenced by years on one-sided news pieces," said Harvey Adelson.
Judge Stephen Everett also sentenced Donna to 30 years in the Florida Department of Corrections on counts 2 and 3 that include solicitation and conspiracy.
Defense attorneys, Joshua Zelman and Jackie Fulford, said they will be releasing an official statement but offered this comment after the sentencing.
Unfortunately, it was no unexpected," said Zelman.
Donna Adelson did state that she will seeking to appeal for a retrial outside of Tallahassee.
ORIGINAL:
Donna Adelson will be sentenced today after being found guilty last month in the murder for hire plot of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. Markel was shot and killed in July of 2014.
WATCH COVERAGE BELOW:
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2:59 p.m.:
Judge Steven Everett enters the courtroom to begin Donna Adelson's sentencing.
Defense says they have a witness to call. State says the Markel family will be appearing via Zoom but will be relying on the statements previously given. Dan Markel's parents, Ruth and Phil Markel, gave their impact statements when the jury announced Adelson's verdict in early September.
3.05 p.m.:
Defense is listing changes that have been made in the pre-sentencing investigation. These include information about Donna Adelson's employment and the date Adelson was arrested.
State asks Judge Everett for Donna to pay $723,123 in restitution and to impose a life sentence for first degree murder count and 30-year sentences for the solicitation and conspiracy charges.
Defense calls witness, Dr. Ben Graber, a friend of Donna and the Adelson family. Graber said he believes Donna is innocent even though she has been found guilty on all 3 charges. Graber said he believes Donna was exploited by her son, Charlie. He is currently serving a life sentence for the same charges in relation to the murder-for-hire plot to kill Dan Markel.
3:30 p.m.:
Defense calls Richard Schargrin to give a statement.
Defense is now reading letters from Donna Adelson's friends about her character.
"You are sending an innocent woman to prison" - Harvey Adelson testifies on behalf of Donna's character.
Defense now saying Donna wants to speak but it appears she does not want to be sworn in. Defense is citing case law that shows she is able to do that. Judge Everett is looking at the case.
Original:
Later today, convicted murderer Donna Adelson will be sentenced after she was found guilty in the murder for hire plot of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. Markel was shot and killed in July of 2014.
Last Thursday, State Attorney Jack Campbell told WTXL ABC 27 that Adelson will be sentenced today at 3:00 p.m. She was originally scheduled to be in court for a case management tomorrow, October 14th.
On September 4th, following a nearly three-week trial, Adelson was found guilty of first-degree murder, solicitation, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder for the death of Markel.
Adelson faces a life sentence. Four other people are already serving time for his death, including Adelson's son Charlie.
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