Donna Adelson has been found guilty in the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, who was shot and killed in 2014 . Markel was a former law professor at Florida State University. ki divorce from her daughter, Wendi, after Wendi wanted to move herself and their children to South Florida, and Markel didn't.
UPDATE (September 5, 2025 2:48 p.m.)
Attorneys for Donna Adelson issued a statement:
“The Markel and Adelson families suffered a great loss. We certainly respect the jury’s verdict and appreciate their attention throughout the lengthy trial. We will continue to advocate on Donna Adelson’s behalf in all appropriate forums.” Jackie Fulford and Joshua Zelman
UPDATE (11:00 p.m.)
"The Defendent is guilty of first degree murder," Judge Stephen Everett announced to the courtroom Thursday.
Donna Adelson has been found guilty on all counts: first degree murder, conspiracy for first degree murder, and solicitation for first degree murder. That's in connection with the death of her ex son-in-law and former FSU Professor, Dan Markel.
The jury deliberating for just over 3 hours before deciding on a verdict.
Ruth and Phil Markel, Dan's mother and father, giving impact statements to Judge Stephen Everett Thursday evening.
"I stand before you to profess the profound sadness and grief our family has endured," said Ruth Markel. "She plotted, planned, and paid for his murder."
The Markels asking the court give Donna the maximum sentence.
"My only question to Donna, was it worth it?", said Phil Markel.
The Markels also praising the work of the State Attorneys Office and Law Enforcement.
"Tallahassee is known for football," said Ruth Markel. "I think it's better known for prosecution and law enforcement skills."
Prosecutor and Assistant State Attorney, Georgia Cappleman, giving comment following the verdict.
"This has become sort of part of my DNA after investing so much blood, sweat, and tears into this case and getting justice," said Cappleman. "So yeah, it's been an epic battle."
Sentencing for Adelson will take place at a later date. The next case management is set for October 14 at 2:30 p.m.
UPDATE (9:40 p.m.)
The Markel family shared a statement after the verdict.
Today a jury found Donna Adelson guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation for murder.
It has been more than eleven years since Danny was brutally murdered in cold blood, and it has taken a tremendous effort to get to this point.
We are grateful to State Attorney Jack Campbell, who has demonstrated extraordinary focus and leadership. And we are forever indebted to prosecutors Georgia Cappleman and Sarah Kathryn Dugan, who have been the public face of the team fighting hard for justice for so many years, to Helene Potlock for guiding us so kindly through this process, and to the entire team at the Leon County State Attorney’s Office.
To law enforcement, including Pat Sanford, Craig Isom, Jason Newlin, Chris Corbitt, and so many others, thank you for your dedication and commitment to truth. We are also appreciative of the Honorable Stephen Everett for his leadership and administration of the trial with efficiency and respect for the law, and to the jury for their attention, commitment, and thoughtful deliberation.
We are so appreciative of the warm embrace and steadfast support that the Tallahassee community has given our family as they stood with us throughout this quest for justice. We are also grateful for the national and international support through the media, podcasters, and online community (especially Justice for Dan) that have helped keep Danny’s memory alive and helped us in our pursuit of justice.
While nothing will ever repair the hole torn in our hearts when Danny was stolen from us, we hope this verdict opens a new door to communication with Danny’s children and a renewal of the connection to the Markel family.
Thank you to friends and family for the continuous support and encouragement and to all those near and far who have joined our family in seeking justice for Dan, and in keeping his memory alive with such dedication.
With deepest gratitude,
The Markel Family
WATCH THE VERDICT BELOW:
LIVE BLOG:
DAY 12:
4:07 p.m.:
State's rebuttal comes to an end.
Judge has called for sidebar.
Jury is now deliberating to decide on a verdict for Donna Adelson.
3:23 p.m.:
Jurors back in the courtroom after the recess.
Jackie Fulford continues the Defense's closing arguments.
3:03 p.m.:
Judge calls a brief recess.
1:48 p.m.:
Defense begins closing arguments. They have 2 hours to present these arguments.
1:46 p.m.:
Jurors are called into the courtroom. Defense is set to present their closing arguments.
12:37 p.m.:
"Don't let the way she thought she was going to get away with it, be the way she gets away with it." — State wraps up their closing argument. They do have an opportunity for rebuttal after the Defense has given their closing argument.
Judge Everett has called a lunch break to return at 1:45pm.
11:50 a.m.:
The Defense has objected over a point in the State's closing argument.
The jurors has issued a recess.
9:56 a.m.:
Jurors in the courtroom for the first time Thursday.
Closing arguments expected shortly.
Judge reading a stipulation to the jury: they must recognize as a fact that Patricia Byrd, the Leon County jail inmate, was not on the witness list for the Defense.
Judge is now reading the counts and instructions to the jury.
State begins their closing arguments.
8:49 a.m.:
Renewed motion from Defense for acquittal. Judge says the State has met its burden to present all three counts to the jury. The Judge has denied this renewed motion.
Reminder from Judge Everett to the gallery to not make any facial movements during closing arguments. Judge has issued a brief recess until 9:25 a.m. when jurors will be called in.
8:31 a.m.:
Attorneys are in the court room.
Judge Stephen Everett, the Defense, and the State are going through how the counts will be presented to the jury.
Defense has asked the Judge to waive considerations of second degree murder and manslaughter. This means Donna can only be convicted on first degree murder. This is on top of 2 other charges she could potentially be convicted: solicitation of first degree murder and conspiracy of first degree murder.
The Judge has denied the Defense's request to submit Donna Adelson's 2014 and 2023 calendars in its entirety. The Defense wanted these to be submitted to provide more context for jurors that they say shows evidence that Donna's trip to Vietnam was for a vacation, and not to flee the country as the State has argued.
DAY 11:
End of Day:
Closing arguments expected Thursday, followed by jury deliberation.
Jurors have been instructed to return at 8:45 a.m. Thursday morning.
3:11 p.m.:
"At this moment, I don't want to testify." - Donna Adelson chooses not to testify in her own trial.
3:04 p.m.:
Adelson speaking saying she has not made a decision whether she will testify — "I haven't decided, this decision affects the rest of my life."
2:50 p.m.:
Defense calls their next witness: Sarah Newhouse with Tallahassee Police Department. Back in 2014, Newhouse was the Victim Advocate with TPD.
2.20 p.m.:
Court back in session after lunch.
The Judge has given the defense 5 minutes to decide if Donna Adelson is going to testify in her own trial. That's after the Defense says they have not had enough time to go through the evidence to see if Donna wants to testify in her own trial.
Zelman has requested a sidebar, including Donna Adelson, to speak through some of the concerns that are weighing on her mind related to her testifying.
NOW: Donna Adelson deciding if she will testify in her own trial.
The Judge calls in the jury and we still do not have a decision about whether Donna will testify in her trial.
Next witness: Marissel Descalzo, former counsel for Adelson.
12:49 p.m.:
Judge calls a lunch recess.
Court back in session at 2:20 p.m.
Zelman asking the Judge if he can do something about viewers in the gallery reacting to witness testimony.
Witnesses after lunch include: Sara Newhouse with Tallahassee Police Department and Marissel Descalzo.
10:56 a.m.:
Judge has ruled that Linda Bailey can testify as her witness testimony was not impacted by the testimony she observed.
Defense is beginning to ask questions.
10:44 a.m.:
The Judge called Bailey to the stand. Defense attorney, Joshua Zelman, asked her what she reviewed to testify about. She explained she had looked through the Adelson/Markel divorce proceedings.
The State cross-examined to ask if Bailey had learned anything new from hearing Adamson's testimony. She said no.
The Judge is reviewing the violation now and will make a ruling if Bailey can testify in this trial and in front of the jury.
10:11 a.m.:
Court is back in session but Linda Bailey, who was expected to testify next, was in the courtroom prior to her testimony, violating sequestration.
The Judge is now reviewing the court records to see if this witness can testify.
9:55 a.m.:
Judge calls a quick recess. Court to resume at 10:05 a.m.
Next witness: Linda Bailey
8:30 a.m.:
Court back in session for Wednesday.
Judge asks Defense who they are planning to call Wednesday. Zelman was able to provide a list for this morning: Kristin Adamson, Linda Bailey, Sara Newhouse with TPD, and Marissel Descalzo.
The Judge said that Zelman would have to go on the record after lunch on whether Donna Adelson will testify in her own trial.
The Judge said he will issue a longer lunch break for the Defense to deliberate.
Kristin Adamson is the first to take the stand, she was Wendi Adelson's divorce lawyer.
DAY 10:
3:15 p.m.:
Judge Everett calls a recess for the day.
Attorneys and jurors are expected to report back at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning for the Defense to continue presenting their case.
2:00 p.m.:
The Defense calls Josh Turner, a Deputy with the Leon County Sheriff's Office to the stand.
1:44 p.m.:
Defense called their next witness, who has supposedly been sitting at the back of the courtroom for 15-20 minutes during the previous testimony. The Judge is debating whether this witness will be able to testify.
The Judge is allow this witness — Tim Kelly, a realtor.
1:25 p.m.:
Defense calls their next witness, Eddie Varnes, a private investigator, for a total of 27 years.
12:50 a.m.:
Defense recalls witness Anne Elizabeth Cunningham to clarify some communication between Donna and herself on the day of Dan Markel's murder.
Defense then calls Richard Schagrin, a close friend of the Donna and Harvey.
Defense calls Tehronna Khan, a paralegal and communication specialist to the stand. She was a former private investigator.
11:32 a.m.:
Judge Everett calls for a lunch break. Will resume at 12:45 p.m.
10:20 a.m.:
Defense to call Kelsey Guay as their next witness, a digital forensics expert.
Brief break until 10:30 a.m.
10:12 a.m.:
Defense calls next witness: Ron Gutterson, Cunningham's partner. He is an old high school friend of Harvey Adelson.
9:52 a.m.:
Break over. Side bar before Judge Everett calls the jurors back into the courtroom.
Cunningham will continue her testimony.
State cross-examines Cunningham, showing text message conversations between Donna and Cunningham during Charlie's trial.
State saying Cunningham texted Donna — "I know you are all innocent.
9:12 a.m.:
Judge Everett has called in the jurors to the courtroom.
Defense calls their first witness: Anne Elizabeth Cunningham, a friend of Donna and Harvey's since 2009.
"I was called and Donna was quite hysterical..." — Defense attorney, Jackie Fulford, is asking Cunningham questions about her friendship with Donna as well as Donna's state of mind and being during the time of Dan Markel's murder and when her son, Charlie, was convicted.
Judge Everett calls a brief recess.
8:30 a.m.:
Court in session.
"There is no evidence..." — Before jurors enter, the Defense is asking Judge Stephen Everett for acquittal on 2 charges for Donna Adelson (first degree murder and and solicitation to commit first degree murder). Joshua Zelman arguging there is no evidence that Donna Adelson had any intent to kill Dan Markel and that the murder was carried out by Sigfredo Garcia, who was driven to the scene by Luis Rivera. Zelman also arguging Katherine Magbanua was the connection between the hitmen and Charlie Adelson, who Zelman said is the man that paid Magbanua. Zelman saying that Donna signed checks to Magbanua at Charlie's instruction.
"What she did after the murder, is not evidence of her intent prior to the murder."
The State arguing that there is circumstantial evidence and inference, but there is also evidence, going back to the statement that Donna said on the phone with Charlie — "this involves the two of us." State also listing other pieces of evidence from the case they presented last week. This includes the testimony of Patricia Byrd who testified when questioned by the State that Donna did admit to doing what she is charged of.
State bringing up evidence "consciousness of guilt" including acquiring a visa and trying to board a flight to Vietnam.
"All of that circumstantial evidence, combined with the direct evidence..." State says their argument still stands.
"Motion for judgment of acquittal will be denied at this time," — Judge Stephen Everett denies the motion, saying there is enough evidence, combined with the consciousness of guilt for the charges to remain.
DAY 9:
End of Day:
State called Srgt. Chris Corbitt with TPD back to the stand to go through some text messages around the time Donna was trying to board that flight to Vietnam. The text messages reveal she was panicked the visa would not arrive in time before her flight.
The State then rested its case.
Court will resume at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. The Defense is expected to call its first witness.
2:59 p.m.:
The State calls Kate Butler with FDLE to the stand. Butler is a handwriting specialist.
2:56 p.m.:
The jury is hearing from two Leon County Detention Center inmates Patricia Byrd and Drina Bernhart that spent time in jail with Donna. Byrd saying Donna told her she did what she was accused of for her grandchildren, but it wasn't meant to get that far. Bernhart saying that Donna wrote out a script for her to say on the stand containing false information.
1:50 p.m.:
State calls Deputy Jonathan Grossman with Miami Police Department to the stand.
12:33 p.m.:
Agent Sanford finally steps down from the stand.
Jurors are back at 1:40 p.m. for court to resume at 1:45 p.m.
Defense has been instructed to have their witnesses prepared for Tuesday.
Next witnesses: Drina Bernhardt and Patricia Byrd.
10:12 a.m.:
Defense will now start their cross-examination.
Defense has requested a recess.
Judge has stipulated that will last until 10:20 a.m.
9:58 a.m.:
"We've been looking it up over and over cause things change, if there is extradition from Vietnam, because we've looked..." — Jurors hear phone call with Donna Adelson where she mentions that they had searched countries that do not extradite to the U.S.A.
"PROSECUTION: Was the flight that the defendant was trying to board, was it a round trip flight or a one way flight?
AGENT SANFORD: It was a one way flight."
State also showed a piece of evidence that was given to the State Attorney's Office by Adelson's prior council. This was Donna Adelson's 2014 planner containing information about Dan Markel's car including the model ('08 Accord) and the license plate number (584YBM).
Questioning by the State has wrapped up.
8:45 a.m.:
Judge immediately issues a 30 minute break.
Court set to resume at 9:30 a.m.
FBI SA Pat Sanford will be back on the stand.
DAY 8:
4:30 p.m.:
Court wraps for the day.
SA Sanford spent the entire day on the stand. The Defense is expected to cross examine Friday.
Court will be back in session at 9 a.m.
1:40 p.m.:
Jurors listening to more wipe taps between the alleged co-conspirators.
12:00 p.m.:
Lunch recess. Jury back at 1:30p.m.
10:40 a.m.:
Jury back in after a quick break. Listening to more wire taps between Donna and Charlie Adelson.
10:23 a.m.:
The jury has been listening to wire tapped phone call conversations between Donna and Charlie, and Charlie and Katherine Magbanua from 2016.
Brief recess until 10:30 a.m.
8:34 a.m.:
Judge, defense, and the prosecution are seated in the courtroom for day 8 of the Donna Adelson trial.
FBI Special Agent Pat Sanford returns to the stand. Jurors are currently listening to a recording of a conversation between Charlie Adelson and Katherine Magbanua from inside a restaurant called "Dolce Vita". They are talking about Donna being approached during the "bump" operation in 2016.
DAY 7:
5:00 p.m.:
Jurors have been instructed to return to the courthouse at 8:45 a.m. Thursday morning.
3:27 p.m:
State calls Special Agent Pat Sanford with the FBI.
The State wraps their questioning of Sanford.
3:21 p.m.:
State calls Special Agent Brian Kendall with the FBI to the stand.
3:10 p.m.:
James Keith McElveen takes the stand. He is a forensic scientist, including audio research. For part of his work, he clarifies audio.
3:02 p.m.:
Special Agent Louis Bronstein with the FBI takes the stand. He participated in a surveillance operation involving Charlie Adelson and Katherine Magbanua, including a wire tap. His role involved collecting audio from this conversation at a restaurant in South Florida.
2.24 p.m.:
Quick break while we wait for an FBI agent to testify. He is the agent that conducted the bump operation where an agent went undercover to blackmail Donna Adelson to see what she knew about Markel's murder.
1:26 p.m.:
Court back in session.
State says they have finished their examination of Corbitt.
Defense is now beginning their cross-examination.
11:30 a.m.:
Court breaks for lunch.
Attorneys are to report back at 1:15pm.
The State will continue its questioning of Srgt. Corbitt after lunch.
9:40 a.m.:
Corbitt is walking the jury through communications between the co-conspirators including Donna, Charlie, Wendi, Magbanua, and the hitmen, Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia, in the times around the hitmen's two trips to Tallahassee: the first, a visit they intended to kill Markel but wasn't able to, the second, the trip the hitmen did kill Markel.
Corbitt testifying to the patterns of communication that link Donna with Charlie, Charlie with Magbanua, and Magbanua with the hitmen.
8:43 a.m.:
Court is in session for Wednesday.
Sergeant Corbitt of the Tallahassee Police Department will continue his testimony. The State says his testimony, cross-examination, and redirect is expected to last through the lunch break.
Judge Everett said there will be an extended break today. He did not provide specifics about when that break will take place.
DAY 6:
End of day:
Jurors have been instructed to report back to the courthouse at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday morning. Court is set to resume at 9 a.m.
4:00 p.m.:
Tallahassee Police Department Sergeant Christopher Corbitt took the stand late Tuesday afternoon. Corbitt analyzes phone data. He is breaking down the communcations that took place between the Adelson family members.
The State questioning Corbitt Tuesday. His testimony will continue Wednesday when the Defense is expected to cross examine.
2:45 p.m.:
Katherine Magbanua set to take the stand next. She is the ex-girlfriend of Charlie Adelson and was convicted in 2022 and is currently serving life in prison.
2:27 p.m.:
Hull's testimony wraps, followed by cross-examination by the Defense and redirect from the State.
State's next witness is Clariza Labredo, a former employee of the Adelson Institute. She worked there for over 40 years.
12:37 p.m.:
The court is back in session following a lunch break.
Investigator Mary Hull is on the stand. She worked with the Department of Financial Services.
Hull is breaking down Luis Rivera's financial records before and after the murder of Dan Markel. Rivera testified last Friday that he received over $33,000 for carrying out the murder.
11:12 a.m.:
Mary Hull to be called to the stand. Defense says they need to speak with Hull before she takes the stand.
Judge has called an early lunch break for the jury. Back at 12:35 p.m.
11:03 a.m.:
Ryan Fitzpatrick to now take the stand. He is a former close friend of Charlie Adelson from 2013 to 2020.
10:34 a.m.:
June Umchinda takes the stand. She was the ex girlfriend of Charlie Adelson between 2015 and 2017.
10:04 a.m.:
"Last summer my brother looked into all options to take care of the Danny Markel problem, including hiring a hitman." — Lacasse reciting something Wendi Adelson told him towards the end of their relationship.
"That freaked me out because that's about as close as you're going to get to my car on a rental market." — State pushing the argument that Wendi Adelson was trying to frame Lacassee for the murder, but circumstances never appeared to line up for this to be correct. The State compares a model photos of the hitman's car compared with Lacasse's car. Lacasse says on the day of Markel's murder he was in Tennessee. He says TPD has surveillance camera footage of Lacasse at a gas station in Tennessee because he had a flat tire; that excused him from being a potential suspect.
Defense counters focusing on Lacasse saying he had limited contact with Donna Adelson.
No cross-examination.
Next witness set to take the stand: June Umchinda - one of Charlie Adelson's ex girlfriends.
Brief recess, court back in session at 10:25 a.m.
8:59 a.m.:
Jurors are in the jury box. First witness for the day is Jeffrey Lacasse, he is the ex-boyfriend of Wendi Adelson.
The State is asking Lacasse about Donna's involvement in Wendi's life, the times he interacted with Donna, Charlie Adelson, and Dan Markel.
"[Charlie] didn't like Dan... that might be understating it" — State seems to be focused on asking Lacasse about Charlie Adelson, Donna's son and Wendi's brother's, opinion of Dan Markel. Lacasse cited a time a group including Wendi, Charlie, Jeff, and Charlie's then-roommate, spent in a hot tub in 2014, when Lacasse said Charlie was "fired up" talking about how much he didn't like Dan Markel.
Defense keeps objecting over a question the State is asking Lacasse related to a time in Spring of 2014 when he says Wendi asked him a question to the effect of at what age do kids gain memory. Defense is objecting that Lacasse can't testify to a scientific definition. State says it relates to state of mind and motive of Donna Adelson. Judge Everett has called side bar. Jury is now being escorted out the courtroom and Lacasse has been asked to step down and leave the courtroom as well.
Judge has issued a recess until 9:40am, while the Staet appears to be finding the piece of evidence to lay the foundation that Lacasse can testify on this point as it relates to his relocation of the incident and the state of mind and motive of Donna Adelson.
9:47am:
Judge has found a discovery violation on this subject matter of what was discussed with Wendi Adelson related to the children's memory as a previous attorney didn't depose the witness. Judge rules for the jury to disregard evidence and testimony between Wendi Adelson and Jeffrey Lacasse in relation to the children's memory. Judge also rules that this hasn't impacted the jury or created an prejudice. Jury back in the jury gallery and they have been instructed by the Judge to disregard that piece of testimony.
8:47 a.m.:
Court in session for day 6 of the Donna Adelson trial. We are waiting for jurors to enter the jury box.
Judge Stephen Everett provides instruction for the gallery to not discuss the case around jurors in any common area in the courthouse.
Then, Defense attorney, Jackie Fulford, immediately calls for a side bar.
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