TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Court TV) — Donna Adelson, the Florida grandmother accused of orchestrating the 2014 killing of her ex-son-in-law, FSU law professor Dan Markel, has been found guilty on all counts.
Adelson, 75, was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation in the shooting death of Markel, 41.
Donna Adelson whispers with the attorneys Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Pool/Tallahassee Democrat)
Prosecutors alleged Adelson, the matriarch of a prominent South Florida family that ran a successful dental practice, arranged to have Markel killed after a judge granted him shared custody of the children he shared with the defendant’s daughter, Wendi Adelson. The custody arrangement tethered Wendi to Tallahassee, 500 miles north of Donna’s South Beach home.
When Wendi unsuccessfully petitioned to relocate with the children, Donna involved her periodontist son, Charlie Adelson, who brought his ex-girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, into the mix. Magbanua, in turn, arranged for hitmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera to gun Markel down.
MORE | FL v. Charlie Adelson: Dentist Mastermind Murder Trial
Markel was shot twice in the head while pulling into his Tallahassee garage on July 18, 2014. He died the next day.
Donna was the fifth person charged in the case. The first person brought to justice was Luis Rivera, who agreed to a plea deal in 2016. Rivera testified that he and Garcia, his lifelong friend, drove from Miami to Tallahassee to carry out the murder-for-hire. He told the jury that Garcia was the triggerman. Rivera, who was once a Latin Kings gang leader, accepted a 19-year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony.
Up next were Garcia and Magbanua, who were tried jointly in 2019. Garcia was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, while jurors deadlocked on charges against Magbanua. At her 2022 retrial, Magbanua was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation to commit murder. She is currently serving a life sentence.
MORE | Inside the witness list for Donna Adelson’s murder trial
Charlie was found guilty in 2023, a Leon County jury having rejected his claims that Garcia and Rivera had extorted him. That conviction came one week before Donna was taken into custody at Miami International Airport while trying to board a flight to Vietnam on a one-way ticket. Charlie, now 48, is serving life without parole.
Donna was tried in the same courthouse where Charlie was convicted in November 2023. Before remanding her for sentencing, Judge Stephen Everett scheduled a case management hearing for October 14. He announced that Donna would be formally sentenced at a later date.
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 9 – 9/4/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 9 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- MORE | Jury convicts Donna Adelson in murder-for-hire killing of Dan Markel
- Ahead of closing arguments, the defense renewed its motion for acquittal, which the judge denied.
- In closing arguments, prosecutor Georgia Cappleman painted Donna as the driving force behind a family conspiracy that led to Markel’s 2014 killing.
- Cappleman argued that Markel was killed because he was fighting to prevent his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, from moving their two young sons away from Tallahassee during their divorce.
- Cappleman described Donna as deeply involved in her daughter’s divorce, writing mediation notes and suggesting legal strategies, including pursuing a restraining order and seeking 100% custody.
- Cappleman referenced what became known as the “Grandma Motion” — a court filing by Markel alleging that Donna was disparaging him to the children.
- Cappleman described a timeline leading up to the murder, including Charlie soliciting Katherine Magbanua to arrange Markel’s killing, communications about Markel’s travel schedule and coded language about a TV repair appointment.
- After Markel’s death, Donna and Harvey had taken the children back to South Florida, and relocation was granted. The children did not attend Markel’s funeral in Canada, and within a year, their names were changed to Adelson.
- Cappleman described how the family allegedly paid the hitmen for two years until an undercover FBI operation in 2016.
- Defense attorney Jackie Fulford began her closing argument by denying the State’s accusations that she attacked Dan Markel’s character back when she delivered her opening statement.
- Disputed the State’s version of “bitter custody,” arguing no party tried to relocate or take children away.
- Claimed the State ignored evidence supporting the defense from its own witnesses.
- Emphasized that Luis Rivera (a killer who cooperated with the State) did not implicate Donna Adelson directly.
- Argued Wendi Adelson misled her mother about wanting to relocate, manipulating her mother’s understanding.
- Acknowledged Donna Adelson sent profane emails but stated poor language isn’t proof of murder; called her a “meddler, not a murderer.”
- Insisted no strong evidence tied Donna Adelson to planning or knowing about the murder.
- Highlighted that Donna Adelson was not directly involved with relocation or “grandmother motion” issues and didn’t know about certain court actions.
- Questioned the reliability and relevance of testimony from State witnesses Patricia Byrd and Drina Bernhardt.
- Disputed claims Donna Adelson helped with alibis or was present during key events, referencing phone records and absence of physical evidence.
- Played a video of Donna Adelson’s shocked reaction to learning about Markel’s death, arguing this indicated innocence and lack of anticipation.
- Challenged the idea that code words or cash meant involvement in a crime.
- Pointed to the lack of evidence for conspiracy, solicitation, or murder charges.
- Noted that Donna Adelson was not arrested for years despite intensive investigation.
- Suggested Donna was set up for dramatic arrest without real proof.
- Urged the jury not to convict based on foul language or emotional arguments but on actual evidence, asserting there’s no concrete link between Donna Adelson and the murder.
- In her rebuttal, Georgia Cappleman reminded jurors that only evidence counts, not the words of lawyers.
- Argued the alleged “TV repair alibi” was likely code and easily manipulated.
- Said Donna Adelson took precautions and acted “in code,” including behavior around providing cash.
- Claimed Donna did not truly help her daughter but participated in the crimes, especially by bringing money and writing checks.
- Accused Donna of caring only for herself, not for her grandchildren’s loss.
- Pointed to Donna’s actions on recorded wire calls, arguing they showed involvement in extortion and murder-for-hire.
- Emphasized Donna refused to acknowledge the pain felt by Markel’s children and failed to accept responsibility.
- Stressed the prosecution must prove its case, but insisted evidence shows Donna Adelson was “neck deep” in the crime.
- Closed by charging that “there is only one truth” and urging jurors to find Donna Adelson guilty.
- After deliberating for 3 hours, 12 minutes, and 58 seconds a Leon County jury of 8 men and 4 women found Donna Adelson GUILTY on all counts.
DAY 8 – 9/3/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 8 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- Kristin Adamson, family law attorney
- Represented Wendi Adelson during divorce from Dan Markel.
- Testified that while the initial proceedings were not contentious, Markel’s post-divorce filings became increasingly personal and hostile.
- WATCH: Family Lawyer Says Dan Markel’s Post-Divorce Filings Were Personal, Hostile
- Adamson explained that she advised Wendi that if she wanted to relocate, the divorce proceedings would be her opportunity to seek that approval.
- Adamson testified that Wendi presented testimony about why she wanted to move and had a job offer to support her request.
- However, the judge denied the request, telling counsel that while she understood why Wendi wanted to move, she would not allow it because Wendi had not met her burden to move the children.
- Adamson described Wendi’s reaction to the denial as upset but calm when the decision was explained to her.
- The divorce case was ultimately settled within a week of mediation, avoiding a trial. The settlement included provisions for Markel to pay Wendi approximately $10,000 in attorney fees and her portion of the marital home. Markel failed to make the required payments by the deadline.
- Instead of paying, Markel hired a new attorney and filed a brief alleging that Wendi had breached the marital settlement agreement by hiding money in a Charles Schwab account and other retirement accounts.
- MORE | Attorney testifies Dan Markel’s post-divorce filings were hostile
- Linda Bailey, family and marital law expert
- Reviewed Wendi and Markel’s divorce file and testified that their divorce was routine and amicable.
- Testified Wendi initially requested a 51-49 parenting plan in her favor, which Bailey explained was standard for tax advantages and head-of-household status, and did not indicate an attempt to prevent Markel from having substantial time with the children.
- Bailey testified that after Wendi’s relocation request was denied in June, Donna asked if the decision could be undone, but Wendi told her mother she had made peace with it, and communication about the case dropped off.
- Bailey described Markel’s legal pleadings as poorly drafted, with inflammatory language and no foundation for his requests. She said his communications were inconsistent and asked for things not included in court orders.
- On cross-examination, prosecutor Georgia Cappleman challenged Bailey’s assessment, noting that what may seem routine to attorneys can be devastating to the parties involved. The prosecution noted that, regardless of the divorce’s contentiousness, Markel was ultimately murdered.
- Donna Adelson waived attorney-client privilege to allow her former attorney to testify.
- The judge confirmed Adelson’s understanding of the waiver’s scope; Adelson specifically referred to discussions about her travel following her son’s conviction.
- The defense called Donna Adelson’s former attorney Marissel Descalzo to the stand after the privilege waiver.
- The attorney recounted concern for Donna’s mental health following her son’s conviction; Donna had expressed suicidal thoughts.
- The attorney consulted colleagues, considered intervention, and concluded a vacation might benefit Donna’s mental health.
- No travel restrictions existed for Donna Adelson at the time.
- The attorney and law enforcement discussed possible warrants; she was to be notified if a warrant was issued.
- On cross-examination, the attorney confirmed it was law enforcement’s decision regarding self-surrender and that a vacation was not suggested as a means to flee.
- Victim’s advocate Sara Newhouse testified she was assigned to Wendi Adelson.
- She listened to Wendi’s interview and Donna Adelson’s reaction upon hearing the news; Donna sounded shocked and upset.
- The jury viewed parts of Wendi Adelson’s interview.
- On cross-examination, questions addressed Donna’s emotional response, but nothing significant was contested.
- The court took multiple breaks while the defense and prosecution reviewed video exhibits and conferred with clients.
- The judge repeatedly pushed for clarity on whether Donna Adelson would testify.
- Donna Adelson ultimately chose not to testify after private and public deliberations; the defense rested.
DAY 7 – 9/2/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 7 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- At the start of the day, Donna’s defense made a motion for a judgment of acquittal, which the judge denied.
- Ann Cunningham, friend of defendant, defense witness #1
- Testified Donna called her hysterical and crying on the day Markel was murdered saying the family was headed to Tallahassee, and she was concerned about what would happen to Wendi and the boys
- Donna and Harvey stayed at her Naples home during Charlie’s trial
- Donna told her she was forced to make payments to the people who killed Markel
- Ron Gutterson, life partner of Ann Cunningham, friend of Donna and Harvey
- Testified Harvey and Donna were extremely upset during Charlie’s trial and devastated by the conviction
- Knew of Donna and Harvey’s plan to travel to Vietnam: thought they were traveling Nov. – Feb., but returning for their grandchild’s Bar Mitzvah
- WATCH: Family Friend: Harvey and Donna Adelson’s Vietnam Trip Was ‘Temporary’
- Kelsey Guay, digital forensics expert
- Guay reviewed cell phone records for Harvey, Donna, and Charlie Adelson, as well as a PowerPoint presentation from the prosecution’s digital forensics expert, Corbitt.
- The prosecution had claimed Charlie Adelson’s phone attempted to communicate with Donna Adelson 417 times between May 2, 2014, and July 2014. However, Guay’s analysis revealed significant discrepancies.
- After removing overlapping dates and focusing on incoming and outgoing calls, Guay found only 383 unique call events. When she further analyzed connected calls between Charlie and Donna, she identified just 69 unique call events that were actually connected.
- Guay also testified that she found no evidence that Donna and Charlie Adelson’s phones were connected to the same cell tower during the time period in question.
- Under cross-examination, Guay acknowledged that she did not disagree with anything in Corbitt’s original report. She confirmed that Charlie Adelson remained the most frequent number in Donna’s phone records despite the data corrections.
- On redirect, Guay clarified that 211 entries in the original data were duplicated. She also noted that apps like Viber and WhatsApp that do not store records would not appear in the call detail records.
- Richard Chagrin, friend of Donna and Harvey
- Testified he helped the Adelsons book travel to Vietnam in the days following Charlie Adelson’s conviction.
- He described the couple as “shocked and distraught” during their meeting.
- Testified that at his suggestion, Harvey booked one-way tickets because the round-trip tickets were more expensive.
- Testified the Adelsons requested a 90-day visa and were planning to return for their grandson’s Bar Mitzvah.
- Tarana Khan, private investigator
- Interviewed inmate Patricia Byrd at the Leon County Detention Center
- Testified that Byrd did not tell her that Donna confessed
- Eddie Varnes, private investigator
- Interviewed inmate Patricia Byrd in Aug. 2024 at the Leon County Detention Center
- Testified that Byrd did not tell him that Donna confessed or offered to buy things for her
- Testified that Bryd talked extensively about Katherine Magbanua
- Tim Kelly, realtor
- Contacted by Dan Markell in Nov. 2011 about finding a home in Tallahassee for Donna and Harvey
- Josh Turner, detective
- Interviewed Drina Bernhardt and notified the State Attorney’s Office; he recorded their conversation.
- Surveillance video from Leon County Detention Center on December 19th showed Donna Adelson and Drina Bernhardt together, writing and conversing at a table.
- Bernhardt was seen writing in a notebook, then Adelson wrote on a piece of paper. They exchanged notebooks and continued discussing and writing.
- Two notebooks (a red one and a hot pink one) were present; Bernhardt opened the hot pink notebook and showed something to Adelson.
- Their conversation and writing continued throughout the video; the content of the conversation and writing was not visible or audible in the video.
- The video was filmed a day before Bernhardt met with the SAO and a day after she told Turner she had information.
- On cross-examination, Bernhardt claimed Adelson solicited her to give false testimony by copying a script in her handwriting and returning it.
- Bernhardt reportedly knew in advance about her interview with authorities.
- Throughout the surveillance, Adelson continued writing even after Bernhardt moved; details of their discussion had to be determined by Bernhardt’s testimony since the video had no audio.
DAY 6 – 8/29/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 6 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- WATCH: Divorce, Deception and Death: Week 1 in Donna Adelson’s Trial | On The Record
- Judge Stephen Everett addressed the gallery before testimony began, warning them not to visibly react to any testimony or evidence in the case.
- FBI Special Agent Patrick Sanford wrapped his testimony
- Presented wiretapped calls regarding plans to travel to Vietnam, detailed Donna’s arrest on jet bridge at Miami Intl Airport with a one-way ticket; phone seized after resistance.
- Described search warrant at Donna’s condo, found Day Planner with Dan Markel’s car info.
- Surveillance included traffic/bus cams, Dolce Vita restaurant, bank, residences.
- Confirmed murder weapon never found
- Admitted probable cause was leaked, TPD held press conference announcing Adelson family as suspects.
- No direct connection found between Donna and Sigfredo or Rivera.
- Magbanua said she met Donna once; no direct connection.
- Circumstantial evidence: Charlie claimed he, Donna, and checks were part of extortion payoffs, not all to Katherine.
- Detective Jonathan Grossman, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, ssisted with Donna’s arrest, served subpoena at her residence, photographed scenes.
- Conducted search with electronic canine (alerted on laptop in closet); did not search luggage.
- Saw $100 bills in stacks.
- Patricia Byrd, Jailhouse Informant, said she shared open pod with Donna Adelson for 6–7 months.
- They had a friendly relationship.
- Donna “admitted” involvement, claimed did not expect it to go that far.
- Donna wanted her to testify that Magbanua’s boyfriend had money, offered gifts (canteen, land, trailer, husband to fix teeth).
- Drina Bernhardt, Jailhouse Informant, Donna’s “jail daughter”
- Called Donna her “jail mother”; Donna called her “Sunshine.”
- Said Donna discussed grandchildren, case often; provided Donna’s jail art and notes.
- Donna wrote a “script” for Drina to study/testify, including extortion topics.
- Donna offered incentives (food, calls, money via Zelle, grand piano, pills).
- Communication instructions via Signal app.
- Drina extensive criminal history was revealed, she admitted her self-interested motives for coming forward.
- Kate Butler, Handwriting Analyst, compared samples (“Day Planner,” “The Script”)
- Identified Donna Adelson as the writer with highest confidence.
- Sgt. Christopher Corbitt, Tallahassee Police Department, reviewed phone and text records.
- Analyzed messages from Donna, Charlie, and Wendi Adelson.
- Verified Charlie’s financial claims (underlined “extort” in notes).
- Messages showed Donna planned trip to Vietnam after Charlie’s conviction; evidence of visa chat and stopping Amazon packages.
- No direct evidence of extortion, murder plans in messages; close relationship between Charlie and Katherine confirmed.
- Reviewed Sunday Sentinel article, confirming arrests and reporting on speedy trial.
DAY 5 – 8/28/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 5 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- Special Agent Patrick Sanford (FBI) returned to the stand to present wiretapped audio and surveillance evidence, mostly having to do with Charlie Adelson, Donna Adelson, Katherine Magbanua, Harvey Adelson, and Sigfredo Garcia.
- Exhibit photos show Magbanua meeting Charlie after his meeting with Donna, and vehicles linked to the Adelsons.
- Audio: Charlie and Donna discuss Wendi’s career, her job offer, and family dynamics.
- Charlie encourages Wendi to pursue a new job, speaks about bringing Dave to Mother’s Day dinner.
- State plays numerous wiretaps and surveillance audios, many of which discuss logistics, relationships, and money.
- Charlie references rental cars, payroll, and expresses stress/fear.
- Garcia and Magbanua’s relationship is highlighted as tense; frequent arguments on wiretap.
- Katherine gives the undercover agent’s phone number; financial transactions and mention of specific amounts referenced.
- Calls repeatedly reference pressure to resolve a “problem.”
- Various calls indicate attempts to coordinate meetings, cover tracks, and respond to contact from an undercover (“bump letter” sent to Adelson’s address).
- Charlie tries to arrange dinner with Harvey; several surveillance videos are played.
- Repeated failed attempts to contact the undercover agent, concern about not getting a response.
- Texts between Katherine and Garcia reveal frustration (“keep me out of it”).
- Donna receives and responds to a call from undercover, conversations filled with stress and denial (“It’s not me” repeated).
- Charlie and Donna discuss reward, family stress, and claims about who “has been taken care of.”
- Charlie offers gifts (Range Rover, concert tickets, limo) to Katherine and Garcia.
- It’s confirmed that no one saw Magbanua entering the Adelson Institute; Check payments to Katherine stopped in May 2016, that’s when law enforcement starts investigating at Adelson Institute.
- WATCH: Donna Adelson Trial: More Witnesses Expected, State May Rest Next Week
- WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial: Day 5 Recap
DAY 4 – 8/27/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 4 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- Sgt. Christopher Corbitt returned to the stand to outline the Adelson family’s digital footprint.
- Corbitt detailed phone calls between various family members, including Harvey, Donna, and Charlie. Prosecutors noted Charlie called his parents’ landline, which was unusual for him.
- When Wendi Adelson went to the liquor store on July 18, she went to one nine minutes out of her way, foregoing the one closer to her, and instead drove by Dan Markel’s home.
- Phone data showed the path the hitmen took from Miami to Tallahassee and back. ATM locations where the two stopped were highlighted along the route.
- On July 19, 2014, the morning after the murder, phone data showed the money drop as Magbanua moved from Charlie’s house to Rivera’s house.
- There were multiple outgoing calls from Katherine attempting to reach Garcia, then Anthony and Luis tried to reach him. Nobody could reach him because his phone left the network and was not in communication.
- WATCH: Communications Between Co-Conspirators on the Day of Dan Markel’s Murder
- In 2016, a wiretap was done on Charlie and Magbanua’s phones.
- “The bump” incident was April 19, 2016, at 1:47 pm. Magbanua’s first call after was Charlie at 2:09 pm. Charlie claimed he didn’t know who “Tuto” was.
- An undercover agent took the stand and testified that he was asked to “bump” Donna Adelson, meaning he walked up to her on the street pretending to be a gang member. The interaction was recorded.
- The agent told Donna that her family was taking caer of Tuto and Katie and she needed to pay $5,000 to take care of Toto (Luis Rivera).
- FBI Special Agent Louis Bronstein testified to audio recorded conversations between Charlie and Magbanua at a restaurant.
- James McElveen, an audio forensics expert, discussed audio issues with the Dolce Vita restaurant recording of Charlie and Katherine Magbanua (busy restaurant noises).
- Special Agent Brian Kendall, FBI, conducted surveillance of Charlie Adelson on April 21, 2016. Charlie was at a restaurant with his father at the time. He also presented video from the restaurant.
- Special Agent Patrick Sanford, FBI, testified that Luis Rivera’s proffer (Sept 30, 2016) revealed that the floorboard of the rented Prius was shot by Garcia before the homicide occurred.
- Sanford spoke more about the FBI corroborated damage to the Prius: The vehicle was later sold and repainted, the hole in the carpet remained, and the car was reassembled mechanically.
- Wiretapped Charlie and Katie; numerous calls between the two were recorded.
- Found evidence of Donna Adelson meddling in her children’s lives; evidence that Wendi Adelson was influenced was very much influenced by her mother’s opinions on house-buying and dating.
- Presented multiple wire-tapped calls which were played.
- Described Donna as calm, said she did not seem afraid after the undercover officer approached her with the letter.
- No mention of Dan Markel in the wire.
- Charlie and Donna spoke on the phone many times on the day of “the bump” operation; mother and son discussed a suspicious letter and possible blackmail.
- In one call, Donna could be heard saying that a white male demanded $5000 from her.
- Charlie advised not to talk in his apartment after the incident; there were references to jokes about a TV, ex-girlfriend, Katie Magbanua, and Tuto.
- A photo was displayed of Charlie and Donna meeting at a marina on April 20, but no audio exists of their discussion.
DAY 3 – 8/26/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 3 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- Jeffrey Lacasse, who began dating Wendi Adelson after her divorce from Dan Markel, took the stand and said he had only met Markel briefly.
- Lacasse said he only met Charlie Adelson once, but noted that Wendi once told him in confidence that Charlie had explored “all options possible to take care of the Danny Markel problem,” including hiring a hitman, which would have cost approximately $15,000.
- At the sole meeting with Charlie, Lacasse said he was fired up and overprotective of Wendi.
- Five days before the murder, Lacasse said Wendi was frustrated about being denied permission to move her children to South Florida.
- Lacasse said that the television that was being repaired at the time of Markel’s murder looked like it had shattered after being hit by someone between five and six feet tall.
- Lacasse suggested that Wendi and the Adelsons wanted to frame him for Markel’s murder, saying that Wendi asked him a number of questions about his plans for July 18, 2014, and that he drove a gray Nissan Sentra, which was very similar in appearance to the gray Nissan Altima rented by the killers.
- WATCH: Lacasse: Wendi Was A ‘Complete Anxious Wreck’ Around Markel’s Murder
- MORE: Wendi Adelson’s ex-boyfriend testifies about chilling hitman comment
- Lacasse said he only met Charlie Adelson once, but noted that Wendi once told him in confidence that Charlie had explored “all options possible to take care of the Danny Markel problem,” including hiring a hitman, which would have cost approximately $15,000.
- June Umchinda, Charlie Adelson’s ex-girlfriend, testified that as police ramped up their investigation into Markel’s murder, Charlie began acting strangely. She said he was up in the middle of the night, kept a gun in his nightstand and kept a packed bag of clothes nearby.
- Charlie made a joke about his ex-girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua’s, breast augmentation, joking he only paid for “one of them.”
- Charlie Adelson’s friend, Ryan Fitzpatrick, testified that Charlie didn’t like Dan Markel.
- Fitzpatrick said he noticed a change in Charlie’s demeanor after “the bump” when his mother, Donna, was approached by an undercover agent.
- He recalled a statement from Charlie where he said, you can get away with anything as long as you keep your mouth shut.
- Noted that Charlie often kept his money stapled.
- Financial investigator Mary Hull analyzed bank records in the case to see the relationships between the parties.
- Immediately after the murders, Luis Rivera purchased a motorcycle and a Toyota Camry.
- Sigfredo Garcia purchased a motorcycle, a 1894 Monte Carlo and a Nissan Maxima.
- The jury saw conversations between Katherine Magbanua and Charlie discussing money, where he says she needs use his credit card for car repairs. The car had previously belonged to Harvey and was sold for $1700, but there were no transactions for the vehicle.
- Other things purchased for Magbanua included flights and a breast augmentation surgery on Oct. 18, 2014.
- Katherine Magbanua was “employed” by the Adelson Institute from Oct. 7, 2014, to May 17, 2016. The management of the Adelson Institute changed from Harvey to Charlie on Oct. 2, 2015.
- Clariza Lebredo, an employee of the Adelson Institute, testified that Charlie worked as a periodontist at the practice and Donna worked up front as a manager. Charlie frequently traveled and did work for other dental offices.
- Lebredo only knew Magbanua as a patient.
- Katherine Magbanua, a convicted co-conspirator in the case, was called to the stand.
- Magbanua confessed to her role in the murder-for-hire and described herself as the “middleman” between the gunmen and Charlie, whom she was dating at the time.
- Magbanua recalled Charlie getting into her car and asking whetther she knew someone who could hurt someone, and Sigfredo Garcia, the father of her children, came to mind.
- After the murder, Garcia wanted the money. Charlie told Magbanua there was an accident and wanted to meet for dinner. Magbanua found him pacing back and forth with a gun in his hand. Charlie gave her a Xanax and she fell asleep. When Magbanua woke up, he told her the money was in her trunk.
- The money, which Charlie said came from his mother, was damp and had started to mold. Charlie told Magbanua that his mother had physically washed the money.
- All checks that Magbanua received were signed by Donna.
- All documents were signed by Donna Adelson; none were signed by Charlie Adelson.
- Magbanua did not always follow Charlie’s instructions.
- Magbanua met with Charlie after the “bump” in a car; he picked her up from work.
- Charlie asked where to eat, turned up the radio, said his mom had been approached.
- Magbanua told Charlie that Luis was incarcerated; did not reveal Sigfredo was involved.
- Magbanua tried contacting a number on a paper to figure out what was happening.
- Magbanua was asked if she thought Charlie was trying to set her up.
- Magbanua knew Luis well; Sigfredo didn’t tell her he took Luis; Charlie didn’t know Sigfredo was involved.
- Charlie did not say the murder was to benefit his mother or sister.
- Charlie did say his mother was at his house the day before the murder and washed money.
- Magbanua spoke in code with Charlie.
- She stated there would be no reason to speak in code if nothing illegal was happening.
- On cross, Magbanua admitted to previously lying under oath and minimizing what was going on.
- Magbanua met Charlie and started dating, but the relationship was not exclusive; he had other women.
- Charlie asked Magbanua to take care of something, prompting her to contact Sigfredo.
- Magbanua had a rocky relationship with Sigfredo.
- Magbanua did not know Luis was going with Sigfredo.
- Did not specify the amount of money involved in the homicide plan.
- Garcia (Sigfredo) brought money, put it in Magbanua’s closet; it felt damp, she never counted it but spent and deposited some.
- Charlie gave her additional benefits after that.
- Discussions with Charlie were private; another woman was not involved in those talks.
- Sergeant Christopher Corbitt, Tallahassee Police Dept. digital forensics expert pulled cell phone records, reviewed tickets, rental agreements, gym video, and analyzed phone/email data.
- Utilized CellBrite for data extraction.
- Tracked Dan Markel’s location on murder day via calls; reviewed which numbers were present at specific sites.
- No one number matched all Markel’s locations, but a common number was found.
- That number was linked to Harvey Adelson.
- July 1, 2014: 37-second call from Sigfredo Garcia’s number to Harvey Adelson, routed to voicemail.
- Frequency reports showed Magbanua’s number frequently dialed Charlie Adelson’s, and Donna Adelson’s number showed up as well.
- Luis Rivera’s number was a frequent contact for Garcia.
- Email evidence featured Donna using various name formats and disparaging terms for Dan Markel (“Major Fucker,” “Royal Jackass”).
- Context of divorce and relocation were critical motives.
- WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial: Day 3 Recap
DAY 2 – 8/25/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 2 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- Leon County State Attorney’s Office investigator Jason Newlin took the stand and testified to the filings in Wendi Adelson and Dan Markel’s divorce.
- Newlin showed the jury that Donna was heavily involved in her daughter, Wendi Adelson’s, divorce.
- Emails show that Donna had been tracking Markel’s travel since the children were born and was actively sending Wendi things to present to her attorney to use in the divorce and custody case.
- On cross-examination, Adelson’s attorney pointed out that Donna and her husband, Harvey, share an email account.
- Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter, was called to the stand.
- Wendi talked about her deteriorating marriage to Dan Markel and her desire to move from Tallahassee to South Florida.
- Wendi admitted to using language like “STD” and “dark lord” to refer to her ex-husband.
- Wendi said her mother offered a range of suggestions of things she could do after a judge refused to allow her to move to Tallahassee, including telling Markel she was baptizing his children or dressing them in Hitler Youth outfits.
- Markel was murdered before a motion he’d filed asking that Donna not be allowed around the kids unsupervised was heard in court.
- Wendi said that on the morning that Markel was murdered, she had the Geek Squad at her home to repair a TV that had been given to her by her brother, Charlie. Charlie had given it to her as a “divorce gift” after making a joke that it would be cheaper than hiring a hitman. She denied that the TV was code for murder.
- While looking at photos of her with Katherine Magbanua, Wendi said that she had never communicated with Charlie’s girlfriend, and that she didn’t think it was a serious relationship.
- On the morning of Markel’s murder, Wendi said she drove past his street and saw it was blocked by police but made no attempt to call Markel or the children’s daycare. Markel had the children in the morning and Wendi had planned to pick them up that evening.
- Markel was scheduled to leave town the next day, which Wendi knew. Wendi suggested her mother would also have known Markel’s schedule, as she testified that Donna would track Markel’s travel.
- Wendi said she changed her children’s last names and one child’s middle name approximately one year after the murder, before enrolling them in school.
- Markel was buried in Toronto; neither the children nor Wendi attended his funeral.
- Wendi said she last spoke to her mother in November 2023.
- Wendi said repeatedly in answer to questions, “I was not involved in any plot to kill Danny.”
- MORE: Wendi Adelson says Donna Adelson ‘micromanaged my life’
- Robert Adelson, Donna’s estranged eldest son, took the stand and described his mother as “more on the controlling side” and very involved in her kids’ lives when they were growing up.
- Robert said that Charlie needed more attention than his siblings growing up, and that when Wendi had trouble in her marriage, Donna’s focus began to shift to her.
- Robert said he never heard anything negative about Markel until after Wendi moved out. At that point, Donna “hated him.”
- He first heard about Wendi’s boyfriend, Jeffrey LaCasse, when Wendi sent him a text with a photo, but asked him not to tell their parents.
- Robert mentioned talking to the FBI as part of their investigation.
- Father’s birthday is July 5; celebrated but father dislikes gifts/attention.
- Party was at the Continuum—secure, with armed guards; family stayed at nearby hotel.
- Celebrities (e.g., A-Rod) lived at Continuum, some full-time; party was catered.
- Party was at the Continuum—secure, with armed guards; family stayed at nearby hotel.
- Learned about the murder while in Westin lobby; mother called to say Danny had been shot and didn’t survive.
- Mother was matter-of-fact, not crying; recounted the story of a man asking for Danny Markel and shooting him.
- Spoke with law enforcement the next day; had an interview in his office.
- Donna Adelson told Rob not to speak to police; later dismissed case publicity (“don’t know, don’t care”).
- Heard of arrests (Sigfredo Garcia & Luis Rivera) through others and social media.
- Waited for parents to call after arrests but Donna called for anniversary instead; was evasive and ended call quickly. It was the very last time mother and son spoke.
- On cross, Rob stated that he visited South Florida for family occasions in 2012 and 2014, spoke to family on the phone less than once a week on average.
- Was in Florida on July 5 (Dad’s birthday), left on 6th; Danny killed on July 14th but Rob did not immediately fly down.
- Officer Bill Brannon arrived at crime scene at 11:15 am, and was responsible for maintaining the scene.
- Set up crime scene tape; referenced location using aerial map.
- Positioned himself to prevent vehicle access near scene.
- Noticed maroon Honda Odyssey turn around near scene (Identified as Wendi’s van).
- Around 1 pm, the van did not approach quickly or question anything, simply turned around and left towards Centerville.
- WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trail: Day 2 Recap
DAY 1 – 8/22/25
- LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 1 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
- Prosecution Opening Statements: Sarah Dugan, prosecutor
- Dugan laid out the prosecution’s theory of the case, walking the jury through Dan Markel’s murder and the family connections that tied him to Donna Adelson.
- Dugan talked about the contentious divorce and custody battle that had Wendi Adelson wanting to move closer to Donna.
- Text messages referring to Markel as “Jibbers” and plotting ways to upset him were shown to the jury.
- Dugan told the jury that within hours of her son, Charlie Adelson’s, conviction, Donna was looking for ways to flee the country.
- Dugan said that one jail informant showed law enforcement a script with questions and answers written by Donna Adelson to be used during her murder trial. Donna allegedly wanted the informant to memorize the information and come into court and lie by reciting it to the jury.
- READ: State: Adelson offered ‘jail daughter’ money and drugs to lie under oath
- WATCH: Prosecution: Donna Adelson ‘Hated Dan Markel’
- Defense Opening Statements: Jackie Fulford, defense attorney and former judge
- Fulford argued that while prosecutors focused on motive and theory, there is no direct evidence Donna Adelson planned or paid for Dan Markel’s murder.
- Prosecutors stressed that two hitmen and Katherine Magbanua were proven participants, and that Charlie Adelson paid them, not Donna.
- Attorneys said Donna was a normal, hardworking mother and grandmother, not the “matriarch mastermind” prosecutors claim.
- They noted that by 2014, the relocation fight was over — suggesting Donna had no reason to want Markel dead.
- Defense urged jurors to look for actual evidence of planning or payment, insisting none would show Donna orchestrated the crime.
- WATCH: Donna Adelson Defense: ‘Two Men Killed Danny Markel’
- State’s Witness #1: Jim Geiger, Dan Markel’s neighbor
- Neighbor Jim Geiger testified he heard a “popping noise” and saw a light-colored Prius in Dan Markel’s driveway around the time of the shooting.
- When he walked over, he found Markel slumped in his car with a shattered driver’s side window and a bloody head wound, still moving but unresponsive.
- Geiger immediately called 911, telling dispatchers that Markel was alive but gravely injured inside his garage.
- He said that after Markel’s divorce, he rarely saw Wendi Adelson or the children at the home.
- WATCH: ‘I Saw A Bloody Head’: Neighbor Describes Finding Dan Markel
- State’s Witness #2: Officer David Sims, Ret., Tallahassee Police Department
- Officer Sims was the first officer on scene; he found Markel slumped in his car, gasping for air with a shattered driver’s side window.
- He noted broken eyeglasses and a business card in Markel’s hand, then turned off the still-running vehicle.
- Sims confirmed Markel never regained consciousness in his presence.
- State’s Witness #3: Joanne Maltese, Ret., Forensic Specialist, TPD
- Maltese documented the crime scene photos, including the shattered window, Markel’s glasses, and bullet damage.
- She also photographed Wendi Adelson’s burgundy minivan, which contained a bottle of alcohol and a receipt from a liquor store.
- Maltese later photographed Markel at the hospital, confirming he was alive but critically injured with visible stippling on his arm from the gunshot.
- Judge Stephen Everett admonished Donna to be careful about showing her emotions in front of the jury.
- State’s Witness #4: Dr. Anthony Clark, Asst. Medical Examiner
- Performed Dan Markel’s on July 19, 2014, at Tallahassee Memorial Morgue.
- Noted two gunshot wounds to Markel’s face/head, with stippling (indicating close-range firing).
- Bullets/projectiles retrieved from Markel’s head and entered as evidence.
- Determined Cause of death: Gunshot wounds to face/head, manner of death: Homicide.
- State sought to admit emails suggesting Adelson family’s disdain for Markel as relevant to motive. Defense objected, arguing emails reflect issues between parties/families and are not direct hatred, and that some are irrelevant.
- Judge permitted certain exhibits if they pertain to ongoing animosity; says foundation is required for others.
- Disputes continued regarding emails, particularly those relating to Match.com and alleged derogatory comments.
- State’s Witness #5: Investigator Craig Isom, Tallahassee Police (Ret.)
- Markel survived for 13 hours after shooting.
- Police approached Wendi Adelson, informed her (not as a suspect) about ex-husband; assured her she wasn’t in trouble.
- She told police about her custody battle/divorce with Markel.
- Reviewed and discussed custody/divorce filings.
- Surveillance video evidence: Prius followed Markel from gym, seen on bus footage near the shooting.
- Vehicle identified as a 2006–2009 Toyota Prius, linked via rental records.
- SunPass/toll data and surveillance used to confirm suspect route/car location.
- Prius linked via rental to Luis Rivera; phone number listed as “brother,” linked to Sigfredo Garcia.
- Law enforcement could not initially connect all parties but moved the investigation forward.
- State’s Witness #6: Luis Rivera, Co-Conspirator
- Convicted felon; testifying as co-conspirator.
- Hired by Sigfredo Garcia at the request of “Katie” (Katherine Magbanua, Garcia’s wife/girlfriend).
- “Katie” was instructed by “Wendi” (Wendi Adelson), who wanted custody of the kids.
- Stated he understood Wendi wanted Markel killed to gain custody.
- Was expected to receive $35,000 (ultimately paid in stapled $100 bills).
- Took 2 trips from Miami to Tallahassee: first was unsuccessful (did not kill Markel in front of kids).
- The second trip: followed Markel from gym, killed him in his car in the driveway/garage.
- Sigfredo Garcia was the shooter; Rivera was driver.
- After murder, gun was disposed of in the ocean; suspects returned to Miami, bought motorcycles with money.
- No direct contact with Adelson family; all communications via Magbanua.
- Rivera insisted he did not know or have any contact with Donna Adelson or the rest of the Adelson family.
- Rivera’s testimony directly implicated Katherine Magbanua and alleged murder was at direction/for the benefit of Wendi Adelson.
- WATCH: Hitman Luis Rivera Takes the Stand in Donna Adelson’s Murder Trial
- WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial: Day 1 Recap
Parts of this story were reported by a journalist and converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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