Donna Adelson, the 75-year-old South Florida grandmother at the center of one of Florida’s most notorious murder-for-hire cases, has been sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. The dramatic sentencing, which took place on October 13, 2025, marks the final chapter in a decade-long saga that has gripped the nation and torn apart a prominent family.
A Bitter Custody Battle Turns Deadly
Dan Markel, a respected legal scholar, was shot in the head in his Tallahassee garage on July 18, 2014. The murder occurred amid a heated custody dispute with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson—Donna’s daughter. Prosecutors argued that Donna Adelson masterminded the plot, desperate to resolve the family’s ongoing legal and personal battles by any means necessary.
The investigation revealed a tangled web of family resentment, secret communications, and ultimately, a murder-for-hire scheme that shocked even seasoned detectives. Donna’s arrest in November 2023, as she attempted to board a one-way flight to Vietnam, only added to the drama and suspicion surrounding her involvement.
The Trial and Sentencing: A Family Divided
After a high-profile trial, Donna Adelson was convicted on September 4, 2025, of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder. The evidence included damning emails, recorded phone calls with her son Charlie Adelson, and testimony that painted a picture of a matriarch willing to go to any lengths to protect her family’s interests.
During sentencing, Donna maintained her innocence, delivering a statement that criticized the fairness of the trial, the media, the judge, and the jury. Her husband, Harvey Adelson, echoed these sentiments, insisting that Donna was not capable of such a crime and condemning what he described as a miscarriage of justice. Friends and supporters submitted letters pleading for leniency, but the judge was unmoved.
Donna received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, plus two consecutive 30-year sentences for conspiracy and solicitation to commit murder. The judge denied all defense motions for a new trial or acquittal, closing the door on any immediate legal relief.
Fallout and Family Tensions
The sentencing hearing was marked by emotional statements and pointed blame. Donna’s defense team attempted to shift some responsibility onto her son, Charlie Adelson, who has also faced legal scrutiny in connection with the case. The courtroom drama underscored the deep divisions within the Adelson family, with friends expressing disbelief at Donna’s conviction and others pointing to the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.
Legal experts expect Donna’s attorneys to pursue appeals, but the likelihood of overturning the conviction appears slim given the strength of the prosecution’s case and the judge’s firm stance.
What’s Next for the Adelson Family?
The Adelson case has become a cautionary tale about the destructive power of family conflict and the far-reaching consequences of seeking vengeance through violence. With Donna now facing the rest of her life behind bars, attention turns to the ongoing legal battles involving other family members and the lasting impact on the Markel children, who lost their father in a senseless act of violence.
For now, the community—and the nation—watches as the final chapters of this tragic story unfold, hoping for some measure of closure and justice.
Sources
1. The Shocking Statements from Donna & Harvey Adelson ... - YouTube
2. Donna Adelson SENTENCED to Life in Prison - YouTube
3. Sentencing Hearing. Will Donna have anything to say? - YouTube
