Donna Adelson Convicted in Son-in-Law's Murder-for-Hire Plot
Donna Adelson was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the murder-for-hire plot of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, after he opposed her daughter's relocation plans.
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Overview
- Donna Adelson was convicted by jurors on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in a high-profile murder-for-hire case.
- The conviction stems from her role in orchestrating the killing of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, who was murdered in a targeted scheme.
- Markel's murder was reportedly motivated by his interference with Adelson's daughter's plans to move south with her two young grandsons.
- Adelson is the fifth individual to be convicted in connection with the elaborate murder-for-hire plot that led to Dan Markel's death.
- Her son, Charles Adelson, was also previously convicted and is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the same murder-for-hire killing.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the calculated nature of the crime and the profound suffering of the victim's family. They use strong, evaluative language to describe the plot and the emotional aftermath, while giving extensive space to the victim's parents' condemnations. This collective editorial approach shapes a narrative of clear culpability and tragic loss.
"The matriarch of a wealthy South Florida family was convicted Thursday of murder in the killing of her former son-in-law, a prominent law professor who was locked in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife when he was gunned down in 2014."
ABC News"For anyone to commit such a cold-blooded, unprovoked act of murder is horrific."
USA TODAYArticles (3)
FAQ
Dan Markel was a law professor and the former son-in-law of Donna Adelson, as he was married to her daughter before their separation.
Donna Adelson was charged and convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder related to the murder-for-hire plot against Dan Markel.
The motive was Dan Markel's opposition to Donna Adelson's daughter's plans to relocate south with her two young sons, which led to orchestrating the murder-for-hire scheme.
Donna Adelson's son, Charles Adelson, was also convicted in connection with the murder-for-hire plot and is serving a life sentence; Donna Adelson is the fifth person convicted in the case.
Donna Adelson was arrested at Miami International Airport while apparently trying to flee to Vietnam, a country with no US extradition treaty; her trial was delayed due to her attorney withdrawing and ultimately began in August 2025, concluding with her conviction.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.