Donna Adelson

Banner of Donna Adelson Donna Adelson was found guilty on all counts related to the 2014 murder of her former son-in-law, FSU law professor Dan Markel. She plotted his death along with her son, Charlie. Mother and son were both convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder. Charlie was convicted in 2023. Donna was convicted in 2025.


Donna Adelson & Judge Stephen Everett
play button
Donna Adelson in court
play button
Donna Adelson in court
donna adelson in court
play button
Donna Adelson in court
Donna Adelson in court
play button
judge on the bench
play button
Donna Adelson testifies in court
play button
This Is Our Story
play button
donna and wendi adelson
side by side of mother and daughter in court
play button
Older woman in purple jail garb looks tense.
play button

Donna Adelson Denied Bond

Donna Adelson's bond request is denied. Adelson, who faces charges related to the death of ex-son-in-law Dan Markel, was deemed a flight risk. More

March 4, 2025

Donna Adelson in court
play button
Donna Adelson testifies
Donna Adelson testifies during a pretrial hearing
play button
old woman looks lost on the stand while news anchors offer analysis
play button
Donna Adelson testifies
play button
Donna Adelson cries
play button
Donna Adelson wipes away a tear
donna adelson testifies
play button
donna adelson testifies
play button
donna adelson testfies
play button
Donna Adelson testifies
play button
close up of elderly, grey-haired female defendant in a purple prison jumper
black-and-white photo of an older woman with an infographic next to her.
play button
Elderly woman in prison jumper sits at defense table.
side by side of mother and son defendants
play button
donna adelson appears in court
Charlie Adelson testifies in court
Mugshot and/or prisoner ID photo of a grinning middle-aged man in a white t-shirt. He has curly, dark hair and a scruffy, salt-and-pepper beard.
play button