FL - FSU Law Professor Dan Markel Murdered by Hitmen *3 guilty* #14

[missunshine]

I've read Attorney Timothy Jansen, (who represented FSU's QB Winston in the sexual assault case) previously reported that Judge Wheeler was making a transition and the case might be reassigned. Also, MLJN YouTube linked above states he's appeared before Circuit Judge Stephen Everett and has only good things to say about the new justice assigned. MOO

Curious as to where you saw that?
I know these things happen, just disappointed. Hoping it doesn’t change the time line nor the dynamics.

 

[Seattle1]

Curious as to where you saw that?
I know these things happen, just disappointed. Hoping it doesn’t change the time line nor the dynamics.

IMO, this transition may be part of the committee assessment underway to consolidate judicial circuits including public hearings for the same this fall.

Changes happen -- Also, Judge Wheeler no longer appears on the Leon County Master Courtroom Calendar.

https://2ndcircuit.leoncountyfl.gov/calendars/courtroomschedule.pdf

https://www.flcourts.gov/content/download/874460/file/Assessment%20Committee%20August%204%202023%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf

 

[SeesSeas]

Mother of Slain FSU Law Professor Discusses Upcoming Trial​

Sep 19, 2023 #CharlieAdelson #CourtTV
FSU law professor Dan Markel who was killed in a murder-for-hire plot by suspected murderer, #CharlieAdelson. Adelson's ex-girlfriend has been sentenced to life for her hand in the murder plot. Markel's mother speaks to Court TV about one defendant's upcoming trial connected to her son's death.

Mother of Slain FSU Law Professor Discusses Upcoming Trial

Ruth Markel, mother of FSU law professor Dan Markel who was killed in a murder-for-hire plot, speaks to Court TV.

www.courttv.com

 

[Ferpo]

From the Tallahassee Democrat today (September 19, 2023) by Jeff Burlew:

Short version: Judge Wheeler transitioning to Family Court cases
(I had missed the news from August that LR was moved from Arizona to close-by FCI Marianna, FL).

With roughly a month to go until jury selection, a new judge has been assigned to preside over the murder trial of Charlie Adelson, the accused ringleader in the plot to kill Florida State law professor Dan Markel.

On Friday, Chief Judge Frank Allman of the 2nd Judicial Circuit assigned the high-profile case to Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett, who replaces Leon Circuit Judge Robert Wheeler. The one-page order, entered in chambers, did not offer any explanation.

“From what I understand, it’s because Judge Wheeler is no longer assigned to criminal court,” said Elizabeth Garber, trial court administrator for the 2nd Circuit. “He’s assigned to Family Court.”

Garber said an administrative order signed more than a year ago in June 2022 by then-Chief Judge Jonathan Sjostrom moved Wheeler to the Family Division, where he now is assigned full time.

Wheeler was handed the Adelson case shortly after the South Florida dentist’s arrest in April 2022. During a February hearing, Wheeler agreed to continue the trial from April until October after one of Adelson’s attorneys, Daniel Rashbaum of Miami, asked for more time. He set a trial date then of Oct. 23, which remains unchanged.

Adelson is accused of orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot that led to Markel’s execution-style shooting in 2014 in the garage of his Betton Hills home. The killing happened amid a bitter custody battle between Adelson’s sister, Wendi Adelson, and Markel over their two sons.

The hit men, Sigredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, along with Katherine Magbanua, the mother of Garcia’s children who also dated Charlie Adelson, were all previously convicted on murder charges. Wheeler presided over Magbanua’s second trial in May 2022.

On Thursday, Wheeler ordered Magbanua, a potential witness for the state, transported from the Lowell Annex state prison in Ocala to the Leon County Detention Facility by Oct. 9. In August, Wheeler ordered Rivera, another potential state witness who testified against Magbanua last year, transported from FCI Marianna to the county jail by the same date.

Neither Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman nor Rashbaum had any comment on the change in judges.

Everett, a former assistant state attorney and assistant public defender, was appointed Leon County judge in 2016 by then-Gov. Rick Scott to fill a vacancy created by the appointment of Wheeler to the circuit bench.

In 2018, Everett was elected without opposition; he was appointed to the circuit bench in 2019 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. In July, Everett began serving as administrative judge for the circuit court’s criminal division.

 

[clearskies1]

This exhibit list was filed today. Expect more filings tomorrow (deadline for pre-trial motions, witness and exhibit lists).

 

[Seattle1]

Thank you for the reply! I shall leave him there than.

Actually, I think the trial is expected to be on track as previously scheduled or Oct 23, 2023.

We know it was Feb when the defense suggested they'd be ready for trial around late July or early August but this didn't work with the prosecutor's calendar and they settled for an October date. Also, the move Order for inmate witnesses KM and LR has already been filed (i.e., per the request to transfer witnesses closer to the Leon County Courthouse).

2/28/23

Rashbaum had suggested starting the trial in late July or early August. But Assistant State Attorney Sarah Kathryn Dugan said that would conflict with other murder trials scheduled for the same time. Wheeler asked the lawyers to check their calendar and propose new dates for perhaps late September and early October.

“I don’t think that a motion for continuance given the gravity of the case and the amount of material that defense has to review is unreasonable at this time,” Wheeler said. “I know both parties have worked hard — it’s not through any fault of anyone.”

Charlie Adelson murder trial continued until the fall after defense says it needs more time

The murder trial of Charlie Adelson, the accused ringleader in the plot to kill FSU law professor Dan Markel, will not go on in April as planned.

www.tallahassee.com

 

[Niner]

Actually, I think the trial is expected to be on track as previously scheduled or Oct 23, 2023.

We know it was Feb when the defense suggested they'd be ready for trial around late July or early August but this didn't work with the prosecutor's calendar and they settled for an October date. Also, the move Order for inmate witnesses KM and LR has already been filed (i.e., per the request to transfer witnesses closer to the Leon County Courthouse).

2/28/23

Rashbaum had suggested starting the trial in late July or early August. But Assistant State Attorney Sarah Kathryn Dugan said that would conflict with other murder trials scheduled for the same time. Wheeler asked the lawyers to check their calendar and propose new dates for perhaps late September and early October.

“I don’t think that a motion for continuance given the gravity of the case and the amount of material that defense has to review is unreasonable at this time,” Wheeler said. “I know both parties have worked hard — it’s not through any fault of anyone.”

Charlie Adelson murder trial continued until the fall after defense says it needs more time

The murder trial of Charlie Adelson, the accused ringleader in the plot to kill FSU law professor Dan Markel, will not go on in April as planned.

www.tallahassee.com

From the 8/25/23 case management hearing - my notes:
8/25/23 Update: In today’s case management hearing, Rashbaum told Judge Robert Wheeler that his team anticipates a more extended trial than the scheduled two weeks. “Our case could be lengthy and could go a week, five to six days of testimony,” Rashbaum said, noting that this would bring the trial out several days from its current Nov. 9 closing. Jury selection will begin on Monday, Oct. 23, with opening statements & testimony could begin as early as Thursday, 10/26/23. The trial is expected to wrap up by November 9th, but Adelson’s attorney told the judge the length of his case would depend on the witnesses & evidence presented by the state. Any pretrial motions & lists of experts, exhibits & witnesses are due to the court by 9/22/23. Also, an additional CMC may be scheduled between now & the 10/20 hearing if necessary. Next pretrial conference hearing on 10/20/23. Judge Robert Wheeler granted the defense’s request to keep interviews & recordings of Katherine Magbanua sealed. Some media groups wanted access to those materials, but the judge said that would interfere with Adelson’s right to a fair trial.

 

[Niner]

Evidence, witness lists will give glimpse into Charlie Adelson’s upcoming murder trial

Witness lists, evidence lists and pre-trial motions are all due Friday, September 22, as both the state and defense team get ready for Adelson’s upcoming trial.

www.wctv.tv

Sept. 22, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - The state has just filed its list of evidence against Charlie Adelson in advance of his murder trial.

Witness lists, evidence lists and pre-trial motions are all due Friday, September 22, as both the state and defense team get ready for Adelson’s upcoming trial.
[.....]
Prosecutors’ evidence list filed Thursday includes:

• more than 50 photos from the crime scene, autopsy, and surveillance cameras.
• more than 30 documents including call logs and financial statements.
• nearly 40 computer discs and thumb drives with videos ranging from a secret FBI recording of Adelson at a Miami restaurant to surveillance video of Dan Markel leaving the gym the morning of his murder.

A new judge, Circuit Judge Stephen Everett, was assigned to preside over the case last week, just five weeks before jury selection is scheduled to begin.
[.....]
Judge Everett has already signed off on orders to transport Magbanua from a state prison in Ocala back to Tallahassee in time for Adelson’s trial. This follows a previous order from Judge Wheeler ordering the return of co-defendant Luis Rivera from a federal prison in Arizona. Both have been ordered to be in custody at the Leon County Jail no later than October 9.

Rivera opted for a plea deal years ago in exchange for his testimony against the others. Magbanua has twice testified in court and denied any involvement in the murder plot, so it’s not clear yet what she will say if called to testify in Adelson’s trial.

 

[Chelly]

Well, I'm going to say it. I Do Not Like Judicial Transitions So Close to Trial.
IMO

 

[BSBC]

Here are CA's and the state's witness lists. Note that both CA and the state list DA, HA, and WA. The state also lists brother Rob. Note that these lists do not necessarily mean that all these witnesses will actually be called at trial.

 

[Seattle1]

Well, I'm going to say it. I Do Not Like Judicial Transitions So Close to Trial.
IMO

I dunno... Having followed SC's double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh where the same Judge that presided over the murder trial recently allowed the guilty plea of a Murdaugh co-defendant for 23 state charges for schemes tied to defrauding very vulnerable victims out of $3,725,203.85, and learning that the co-defendant is appealing their sentence, primarily citing that the Judge's alleged bias against Murdaugh — not the co-defendant's own misconduct to which he fessed up, and the notoriety of the related case, created spill-over bias in his case.

Now I think it's probably prudent to have a new Judge presiding over CA's trial because unlike KB, LR, and SG who were all previously convicted and/or sentenced in trials presided over by Judge Wheeler, I really think CA could be the defendant with the resources and legal capacity to use the system and the appellate Court to challenge any decision CA finds undesirable. The evidence is solid and Judge Everett is well qualified to preside over this trial seeking justice for Dan and his family. MOO

 

[Ferpo]

Here are CA's and the state's witness lists. Note that both CA and the state list DA, HA, and WA. The state also lists brother Rob. Note that these lists do not necessarily mean that all these witnesses will actually be called at trial.

SG on State witness list is interesting, and June Umchinda is also on both lists. Shoddrick Nobles should be entertaining again, if he gets the call from the State.

 

[katiecoolady]

So who thinks Donna, Wendi and Harvey will testify on either side? I'm gearing up to attend the entire trial. I don't know if I'll be able to get in for jury selection, but my focus will be on a. supporting the family and b. observing the jury. I'll be attending the book event by Ruth Markel on the 25th at Dan's synagogue. Looking forward to meeting any other of you who will be attending. I think I'll make any trial observations via live video--not exactly sure where yet, but created an IG account for it this morning. It's twoinnocentsinsta if you are interested. As I said, I'm very interested in the jury for this trial. I'm never in to conspiracy theories, but this is the first time I've thought that a defendant and their family could actively seek to influence a juror. I'm going to keep an eye on them for that reason (also I'm just very curious about what kind of jury Charlie gets and how he may think he can manipulate them). Anyway, may justice continue to come for Dan through the entire responsible parties being held accountable.

 

[yazoost]

Can you please post (or pm, if that's a thing here) the details on the Ruth Markel/Synagogue event? I can't seem to find them online. Thanks!

 

[katiecoolady]

Can you please post (or pm, if that's a thing here) the details on the Ruth Markel/Synagogue event? I can't seem to find them online. Thanks!

Here is the press release:

Dan Markel’s mother to hold Tallahassee book event on eve of Adelson trial

Midtown Reader and Shomrei Torah to host event on October 25



Ruth Markel used to visit Tallahassee to see her son, Dan, and her grandsons, Benjamin and Lincoln, every chance she got. But following Dan’s 2014 murder, Ruth’s visits have been entirely different from the joyful days of the past. Dan’s ex-wife, Wendi, moved with the children to Miami just days after their father’s Betton Hills slaying. Since then, Ruth has mainly returned to Florida’s capital city for the trials of two of the many people authorities say are responsible for Dan’s hired killing.



Ruth will return to Tallahassee once again this fall, when Wendi’s brother,Charlie Adelson, faces a jury for his alleged role as a mastermind of the conspiracy. Jury selection is set to begin in Adelson’s trial on Monday, October 23 with testimony expected to begin that week.



On the evening of Wednesday, October 25, Ruth will be hosted by Congregation Shomrei Torah, with co-host Midtown Reader, for a presentation and signing of the book she wrote, documenting her experiences following Dan’s murder.



Ruth’s book, “The Unveiling: A Mother’s Reflection on Murder, Grief, and Trial Life”, is written from various perspectives – that of a devastated mother, an engaged citizen learning the ins and outs of the justice system, and a grandmother who turned to advocacy in the fight to reunite with Dan’s sons.



“I’m deeply grateful to Shomrei Torah and Midtown Reader for welcoming me and offering an opportunity to share my family’s story,” said Markel, “There’s so much yet ahead in the pursuit of justice for Danny, and knowing how this community stands with us means the world to our family.”



Adelson’s trial is expected to be heavily covered by print, digital, and broadcast media. The case has been profiled by ABC’s 20/20, Inside Edition, Dateline NBC, People Magazine, the hit podcast Over My Dead Body, and others.



For local residents, Ruth’s visit provides an opportunity for a more intimate, personal view of how this case has rocked the Markel family, and the Tallahassee and FSU communities alike.



“Dan was a prolific legal scholar and much-loved professor at Florida State, and even more importantly, he was a dear friend to so many,” said Sam Kimelman, Treasurer of Shomrei Torah and friend of the Markel family. “We’re honored to welcome Ruth to share her story and open our doors to those who would like to hear from her themselves.”



“Midtown Reader is excited to co-host this event, showcasing a book that is poignant and inspiring,” said owner Sally Bradshaw. “We will provide books for sale and signing, and can’t wait to hear more of Ruth’s story in person.”



The event will begin at 7:00 PM at 4858 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32309, with doors open one hour prior. For more information, please email justicefordanm@gmail.com or call 850-296-7771.

 

[yazoost]

Thanks! See you there.

 

[katiecoolady]

Thanks! See you there.

That's great. Please find me.

 

[Seattle1]

Thanks in advance to all who will be our eyes and ears-- live at trial!

 

[Duper's Delight]

Surviving the Survivor discussed the witness list and exhibits.

Is there a picture of Wendi and Sigfredo?

...hmm...that's interesting that's also how he would know what the lady looked like!

I vaguely remember questioning at last trial where Wendi was asked if she knew Sigfredo; I might have this wrong but I think the line of questioning was regarding Charlie's work parties. It might be a party picture.

Correct me if I am wrong or if you know about this picture. First I have heard of it.

Wendi should add this to her photo album next to the Katie beach picture.

 

[Marysmith]

Surviving the Survivor discussed the witness list and exhibits.

Is there a picture of Wendi and Sigfredo?

...hmm...that's interesting that's also how he would know what the lady looked like!

I vaguely remember questioning at last trial where Wendi was asked if she knew Sigfredo; I might have this wrong but I think the line of questioning was regarding Charlie's work parties. It might be a party picture.

Correct me if I am wrong or if you know about this picture. First I have heard of it.

Wendi should add this to her photo album next to the Katie beach picture.

View attachment 450257

It’s the first I’ve heard of it as well!