Donna Adelson Sentenced for 2014 Murder of Dan Markel
The Tallahassee professor died after a 2014 shooting that led to multiple family members being convicted.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Financial Crime
Donna Adelson received a life sentence plus 30 years in prison for her role in the 2014 murder of Dan Markel in Tallahassee. The 41-year-old law professor was shot in his garage, leading to a decade-long investigation involving the Adelson family.
Why it matters
The murder of Dan Markel followed a contentious divorce and legal dispute over the relocation of his grandsons. Authorities established that Donna Adelson orchestrated the killing to prevent the professor from blocking her daughter's move.
Donna Adelson was convicted of first-degree murder in 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment plus 30 additional years. This follows the 2023 conviction of Charlie Adelson and a guilty plea from Luis Rivera, who received 19 years.
The players
Donna Adelson
She is the matriarch of the South Florida family who orchestrated the murder of her former son-in-law.
Dan Markel
He was a 41-year-old law professor and the victim of a targeted killing in his Tallahassee home.
Charlie Adelson
He was convicted in 2023 for his role in coordinating the hiring of the gunmen who killed Markel.
Luis Rivera
He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and served as the getaway driver for the shooting.
Katherine Magbanua
She was convicted for her part in facilitating the murder-for-hire plot on behalf of Charlie Adelson.
The details
Sigfredo Garcia shot Markel while Luis Rivera drove the getaway car after Charlie Adelson hired them through Katherine Magbanua. All three, along with Charlie and Donna Adelson, were ultimately convicted in connection with the murder.
Timeline
2006: Dan Markel and Wendi Adelson married.
2013: The couple finalized their divorce.
July 18, 2014: Dan Markel was shot in his Tallahassee garage.
2023: Charlie Adelson was convicted of first-degree murder.
2025: Donna Adelson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Legal Context
The prosecution of the Adelson family represents a significant chapter in Florida legal history regarding murder-for-hire conspiracies. It highlights the extended efforts of the state to secure convictions long after the initial 2014 crime occurred.
The conclusion of this high-profile case brings a sense of closure to the Tallahassee community after years of court proceedings. Residents may note the legal precedent established by the successful prosecution of this complex murder-for-hire conspiracy.
The takeaway
The resolution of the Markel case demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement in multi-year conspiracy investigations. It highlights the severe legal consequences for those who attempt to settle personal disputes through violent means.
Further reading
For additional context, visit the Financial Crime section.
