Donna Adelson, a 75-year-old Miami Beach grandmother, was arrested trying to flee the country after allegedly orchestrating the murder of her ex-son-in-law. Daniel Markel, a Florida State University law professor, was shot dead in his Tallahassee garage in 2014 during a bitter custody battle with Adelson’s daughter. Prosecutors say Adelson masterminded the hit because Markel refused to let her daughter relocate their grandchildren to South Florida.
Her son Charlie Adelson, a periodontist, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison. Court evidence reveals Donna discussed fleeing the country in recorded jail calls, telling her son she wanted to “run away.” These jail conversations became crucial evidence against her.
Donna was caught at Miami International Airport with her husband, about to board a one-way flight to Vietnam. Bodycam footage shows her claiming ignorance about the warrant during arrest. She now faces first-degree murder charges alongside solicitation allegations.
At a recent court appearance in shackles, Adelson tearfully complained about jail conditions, citing assaults, poor nutrition, and inadequate healthcare. She begged for bond release while blaming extortion attempts inside the detention facility.
The Adelson family, wealthy dentists, allegedly paid hitmen to execute Markel. Two assassins—Sigfredo Garcia and Katherine Magbanua—are already serving life sentences. Prosecutors describe Donna as the plot’s “driving force” behind the cold-blooded killing.
During a heated custody dispute, Markel opposed ex-wife Wendi Adelson’s move to South Florida. Prosecutors argue Donna plotted the murder to eliminate this obstacle. Recorded conversations show her discussing “paperwork” with Charlie, hinting at cover-up plans.
Donna’s arrest came just days after Charlie’s conviction, as she prepared to escape to non-extradition countries. Her recorded jail call about fleeing exposed her guilt to investigators. The court must now decide whether she remains jailed pending trial.
This case underscores that justice pursues even wealthy elites who believe they’re above the law. Americans expect courts to deliver full accountability for this calculated family conspiracy against an innocent father.
