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IN 2014, University law professor Dan Markel was found shot dead outside his house.
Nearly 10 years later, in November 2023, his mother-in-law Donna Adelson was arrested in connection with the professor’s death.
Who is Donna Adelson?
Donna Adelson is the mother of Charlie Adelson, the South Florida dentist who allegedly hired two hitmen to kill Dan Markel.
On Monday, November 13, 2023, Adelson was arrested at Miami International Airport, where authorities said she was planning to flee the country to Vietnam.
She was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in relation to Markel’s death.
This comes a week after her son was convicted of plotting to murder Markel in July 2014.
According to authorities, Charlie Adelson contracted the hitmen to take out Markel while the professor was in the middle of a custody battle with his sister Wendi Adelson.
Alongside Charlie and Donna Adelson, Charlie’s ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, and the two alleged hitmen named Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia were also charged in the case.
What did Donna Adelson do?
According to court documents, Donna Adelson solicited her son and the hitmen to kill Daniel Markel.
“Jail calls from after Charles Adelson’s guilty verdict include multiple calls in which Donna Sue Adelson is telling Charles Adelson that she is getting things in order, creating trusts, and making sure her grandchildren are taken care of,” an affidavit showed.
“Donna discusses plans for a suicide but also discusses plans to flee to a non-extradition country.
“Donna Sue Adelson has considerable financial resources to do this.”
Adelson had booked a flight from Miami to Dubai with her final destination in Vietnam.
Where is Donna Adelson now?
Donna Adelson is detained in the Miami-Dade Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center as of November 2023.
She appeared in court wearing an anti-suicide vest.
At this time, Adelson is currently being held without bond.
Within the coming weeks, Adelson will be transferred to the Leon County Detention Facility where her son is awaiting his sentence.
A court date has yet to be set for Adelson’s sentencing.
