FL - FSU Law Professor Dan Markel Murdered by Hitmen *4 Guilty* #25

[amicuscurie]

And, apparently as per Rashbaum, Harvey was in the shower during that call. So Donna doesn’t say when W says “you can put it on speakphone”, “your dads in the shower”.
Notice after the call, Wendi asks the Victims advocate if she heard her mother on the call.

I think I did hear her say he was in the shower. But maybe I’m remembering wrong. I think that’s why she put it on speaker, but I could be wrong.

 

[amicuscurie]

I used to say it was the state who wanted to protect the boys. And keep them with Wendi. And got attacked online for that.
But you bring up a good point. And Ruth is probably close to Georgia after all this time.
And Ruth and Phil are divorced and 80 years old now and in no position to raise teenage boys who hardly know them and have been probably bad mouthed by Donna their whole lives.
So it could be Ruth who isn’t in a rush for Wendi. And made that clear to Georgia especially preteen when the boys were the most vulnerable to being seperated from the only family they knew. A mental health issue for them.
Ruth could have been thinking of what her son wanted for them.

It is my opinion that neither the state nor the Markels believe that being raised by this family for any length of time was beneficial for the boys. I do not believe that is the reason for the delay, and I do not believe Dan would want that. I do not believe he wanted them living with them in South Florida at the time he died; as I understand it, that was the motivation for the murder.

The boys would not go to the Markels at this point, in my opinion. The delay, in my opinion, prevented that.

From what I remember, the state early on accidentally disclosed an email from Ruth had sent them about what would be done with the kids if there were more arrests. This, in turn, as far as I understand, resulted in Wendi denying them visitation.

Because of the delay, it seems to me that this denial of visitation was allowed to continue for many of the boys’ formative years. This, in turn, in my opinion, resulted in their having virtually no relationship with the boys.

If the state had made arrests earlier, it is possible, in my opinion, that the Markels could have been in a position to take custody, as they were still young enough to have that decided for them, and to form a relationship with their grandparents. That is obviously, in my opinion, what the Markels thought would happen. I am wondering if they had reason to believe there would be more arrests, and why there weren’t.

 

[Deleted member 296739]

It is my opinion that neither the state nor the Markels believe that being raised by this family for any length of time was beneficial for the boys. I do not believe that is the reason for the delay, and I do not believe Dan would want that. I do not believe he wanted them living with them in South Florida at the time he died; as I understand it, that was the motivation for the murder.

The boys would not go to the Markels at this point, in my opinion. The delay, in my opinion, prevented that.

From what I remember, the state early on accidentally disclosed an email from Ruth had sent them about what would be done with the kids if there were more arrests. This, in turn, as far as I understand, resulted in Wendi denying them visitation.

Because of the delay, it seems to me that this denial of visitation was allowed to continue for many of the boys’ formative years. This, in turn, in my opinion, resulted in their having virtually no relationship with the boys.

If the state had made arrests earlier, it is possible, in my opinion, that the Markels could have been in a position to take custody, as they were still young enough to have that decided for them, and to form a relationship with their grandparents. That is obviously, in my opinion, what the Markels thought would happen. I am wondering if they had reason to believe there would be more arrests, and why there weren’t.

The lengthy delay was so unfortunate for everyone- and the boys will eventually learn the truth and have missed the opportunity to know their grandparents — its Greek tragedy level sad -

moo

 

[BearWatcher]

Is the next hearing still set for Dec 10th at 2:30 pm? Any updates on this?

 

[Knitpicker]

I think I did hear her say he was in the shower. But maybe I’m remembering wrong. I think that’s why she put it on speaker, but I could be wrong.

Wendi told her to put the phone on speaker.
Donna did not say he was in the shower.
That was Rashbaum who said that at CAs trial.
It was suspicious, imo.

 

[Knitpicker]

It is my opinion that neither the state nor the Markels believe that being raised by this family for any length of time was beneficial for the boys. I do not believe that is the reason for the delay, and I do not believe Dan would want that. I do not believe he wanted them living with them in South Florida at the time he died; as I understand it, that was the motivation for the murder.

The boys would not go to the Markels at this point, in my opinion. The delay, in my opinion, prevented that.

From what I remember, the state early on accidentally disclosed an email from Ruth had sent them about what would be done with the kids if there were more arrests. This, in turn, as far as I understand, resulted in Wendi denying them visitation.

Because of the delay, it seems to me that this denial of visitation was allowed to continue for many of the boys’ formative years. This, in turn, in my opinion, resulted in their having virtually no relationship with the boys.

If the state had made arrests earlier, it is possible, in my opinion, that the Markels could have been in a position to take custody, as they were still young enough to have that decided for them, and to form a relationship with their grandparents. That is obviously, in my opinion, what the Markels thought would happen. I am wondering if they had reason to believe there would be more arrests, and why there weren’t.

Yes the boys wouldn't now go to the Markels. They are 80 and have been divorced since before Wendi and Dan were divorced (2012). Phil lives in both Canada and California and also has what Carl S described as a Hollywood type mansion in Cali.
I don’t think the boys would have ever gone to them, which is why I said what I did in my comment.
The state would not have given a 3 and 5 year old to a divorced woman in her early 70’s whom the boys hardly knew ), and it would have taken awhile to arrest/prosecute/convict Wendi which is why I said early 70’s). Perhaps to Shelly or Robert?
That wouldn’t have happened anyway since Wendi would have had complete control of where they were going.
The Markel Act is only if the mother is sentenced and in prison and the Markel Act wasn’t around until a few years ago.
So Wendi ended up getting to raise them. They seem to have turned out OK at least academically with the only family they have ever known. Doesn’t seem fair but in spite of circumstances, maybe the best outcome for them.
As they approach adulthood, they will find out the truth. Maybe it was better they were protected from it growing up? Has to be a real blow for them with CA and DA.
I am not alone in my belief about Georgia, being a mother and not arresting Wendi. Although I know it is more in the control of Jack Campbell and prior Willie Meggs. But taking into consideration he boys I still think factors in, although I know the majority wouldn’t agree with that.

 

[Niner]

Is the next hearing still set for Dec 10th at 2:30 pm? Any updates on this?

Yes - that is the next case management hearing - the Judge cancelled the 10/15/24 & reset it for 12/10.

 

[apeXperience]

People do not realize that the Adelson family solidarity dynamic shattered with the withdrawal of Daniel Rushbaum from representing Donna Adelson

• From the September 16th, 2024 notice by Charles Adelson that he invokes his 6th Amendment Rights, it is obvious that the “Every man for himself and God for all …” paradigm started
• Donna Adelson was hopeful that with the “good plan” promised by Daniel Rushbaum, she should be free and relaxing at home celebrating Rosh Hashanah by sundown on Wednesday, October 2nd 2024
• Charles Adelson’s 6th Amendment Rights wrench derailed her chimeric expectation, pushing her trial to at least 8 months forward with attorneys Robert Morris and Adam Komisar
• The non waivable conflict of interests of Robert Morris and Adam Komisar caused the need for the other supposedly untainted and “brand new” attorneys Joshua Zelman and Jackie Fulford

IMHO, the future events would unfold as thus

• Along the dormant appeal of Magbanua, CharlesAdelson’s appeal will stay put over period but will yield zero result given the pilled amount of evidences compacted for easy court processing
• In the State of Florida, not only the Judge but also the other attorneys, especially the State Attorneys, could request that a defense attorney recuses themselves
• Famous former Assistant State Attorney (under Mr. Meggs) and infamous former Second Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford will be vigorously tested 1) by the Court on her potential conflict of interests and 2) by the State Attorneys on her fitness to resume as an officer of the Florida Courts, on Tuesday December 10<strong>th</strong> next week, Courtroom 3B at 2:30 PM
• Donna Adelson’s trial is reasonably pushed toward October 2025, thanks to Charles Adelson’s rebuke of Daniel Rushbaum’s implied as assumed verbal waiver

Hurray! One more year and Whole Justice for Dan Markel will be foreseeable!

• It is hoped that Harvey Adelson will be indicted soon after an expected guilty verdict for Donna Adelson by October 2025. The State would be wise if Harvey Adelson were afforded a sweet Second Degree Murder with 19 years plea deal due to advanced age, either he takes the deal or he would squander wealth for fun
• The State labeled not indicted co-conspirator Wendi Adelson could look forward for her expected slow moving life-changing event to occur by Hanukkah / Christmas of 2025
• She will be indicted as soon as her “acrimonious divorce testimony” is no longer necessary to establish her family members’ motives
• People do not realize that the Wendi Adelson's indictment delay and “not indicted co-conspirator” label are prosecutor’s devices to ensure that Wendi Adelson’s damaging testimony against her helpers is compelled.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, December 10th:
*Case Management Hearing (@ 2:30pm ET) - FL - Daniel Eric Markel (41) (shot to death July 18, 2014, Tallahassee) - *Donna Sue Adelson (64 @ time of crime/73/now 74) arrested by FBI @ Miami Intl. Airport (11/13/23) on out-of-County warrant from Leon County arrest Warrant [#FW231o2353] & indicted (11/15/23), charged (11/21/23) & arraigned (12/11/23) with 1st degree murder, conspiracy to commit 1st degree murder & solicitation to commit 1st degree murder. No bond. Held at Miami-Dade County Jail (Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Leon County has 15 days to extradite from Miami-Dade County). Transferred from Miami-Dade to Leon County on 11/20/23. Held without bond (murder), $25K (conspiracy) & $25K (solicitation) on 11/21/23. Plead not guilty. Leon County
Jury selection was set to begin on 9/17/24 has been vacated.
Trial was set to begin on 9/23/24 has been cancelled with no further dates.
Leon County Circuit Judge Stephen S. Everett presiding. Prosecutor Georgia Cappelman & Assistant State attorney Sarah Dugan. Defense attorneys Robert Alexander Morris & Daniel Rashbaum [Rashbaum has withdrawn as attorney on 9/17/24] & added attorney Adam J. Komisar. Both defense attorneys were dismissed by Judge on 10/7/24.
Case & Court info from 11/13/23 thru 9/16/24 reference post #690 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...murdered-by-hitmen-4-guilty-24.722492/page-35
9/16/24 Docket updates: [174] Response to Charlie Adelson's Motion seeking to preclude former counsel from cross examination. [175] Notice to/of State witness Charles Adelson's notice that he is invoking his 6th Amendment rights as to his former Counsel Daniel Rashbaum & he does not waive the conflict of interest regarding his attorney-client communications with Mr. Rashbaum.
9/17/24 Tuesday, Jury selection Day 1: Discussion about Charles' being called as witness by State. Jury selection on hold. Charles' new attorney Niles will meet with Judge Everett at 1:30pm. The conflict of interest lies in Rashbaum represented Charlie & now his mother. Judge: If Charlie cannot be properly cross examined Donna has lost the right to effective representation and therefore we have an issue related to whether or not a new trial is merited. It is foolish to charge forward under the circumstances. Judge recessing until 1:15pm. He is releasing any potential jurors that have shown up this morning. He said IF jury selection is to begin he will have a new group at 1:15pm. Judge is recessing to give Donna Adelson time to speak to 3rd party counsel.
For more info see posts #693, 695 & 697 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...murdered-by-hitmen-4-guilty-24.722492/page-35
Judge speaking to Adelson. She waives any issue on a future appeal regarding Charlie's cross exam. Judge going to do more research on if this waiver is sufficient. Adjourned until 1:15. Potential jurors will report at 2pm IF judge allows jury selection to go forward.
For more info see post #709 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...murdered-by-hitmen-4-guilty-24.722492/page-36
Defense attorney Rashbaum moves to withdraw from the case citing unable to obtain a new waiver from Charles’ appellate counsel. Defense attorney Alex Morris wants to 'regroup'. Judge Everett says case continued. The costs to be charged to defendant. In camera meeting Everett & Morris is now going to happen. Co-counsel Alex Morris is not prepared to take over as lead counsel & judge is granting continuance. Case management hearing to be scheduled on 10/15/24 @ 2:30pm. Jurors will be released.
For more info see posts #737 & 753 (page 37) & 759 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...murdered-by-hitmen-4-guilty-24.722492/page-38
9/17/24 Docket updates: [176] Reply State witness Charles Adelson's reply to "response to Charlie Adelson's Motion seeking to preclude former counsel from cross examination. [177] Case comments from court event. C. Adelson invokes 6th Amendment/Rashbaum withdrawn fro case-granted. Attorney Morris to take over; defendant requests continuance-granted. Case management conference on 10/15/24. [178] Court minutes. [179] Case management conference set efiled. [180] Private attorney assigned: Private attorney added-Robert A. Morris.
10/7/24 Docket update: Order disqualifying defense counsel [Robert A. Morris & Adam Komisar] by Judge Stephen S. Everett on his own motion. See post #84, page 5, thread #25. The Judge canceled the Case management of 10/15/24. Instead, next case management is for 12/10/24.

 

[geevee]

Mentioned during today's case management hearing, trial may occur mid-June through early July, DA's new attnys say that time frame fits with their schedules as well as their witnesses. Judge says it may work for him also but he needs to check his personal calendar.

Next case management hearing is Feb. 11th at 2:30 p.m. CST. Defense will probably need to get new investigators as the ones used by the former attnys may be considered fruit from the forbidden tree; discovery should be turned over by the next hearing date and a trial date will be set then. Other than something discussed at sidebar, that's about it for today's hearing.

 

[Niner]

Mentioned during today's case management hearing, trial may occur mid-June through early July, DA's new attnys say that time frame fits with their schedules as well as their witnesses. Judge says it may work for him also but he needs to check his personal calendar.

Next case management hearing is Feb. 11th at 2:30 p.m. CST. Defense will probably need to get new investigators as the ones used by the former attnys may be considered fruit from the forbidden tree; discovery should be turned over by the next hearing date and a trial date will be set then. Other than something discussed at sidebar, that's about it for today's hearing.

Thank you for the update!

 

[Niner]

Just an FYI - Donna will be 75 on 2/5/25....

 

[dotr]

Dan Markel murder: Donna Adelson back in court for first time since trial was derailed

The defense, prosecutors and witnesses would be available for trial during a period between June 16 and July 2. Judge wants "firm" date.

www.tallahassee.com

''Meanwhile, Fulford said that the defense, prosecutors and witnesses would be available for trial during a period between June 16 and July 2. Everett said he would need to check his personal calendar before scheduling the trial.

"I want to be clear on this ― it's going to be firm," Everett said of the trial date. "There's too much logistics that are involved with moving prisoners, with everyone who needs to be brought to here for making this trial actually happen. So when that trial date is set, it is going to be firm."
''Everett set a case management conference for Feb. 11 and said if it's possible, a trial date and deadlines, will be set then.''

 

[Zedzded]

As they approach adulthood, they will find out the truth.

I am not alone in my belief about Georgia, being a mother and not arresting Wendi. Although I know it is more in the control of Jack Campbell and prior Willie Meggs. But taking into consideration he boys I still think factors in, although I know the majority wouldn’t agree with that.

Respectfully disagree on both those points.

The boys are teenagers and intelligent. They have the resources available to find out the truth or at the very least be able to find out they have been lied to. For example they could ask their mother a hundred questions and she would have to tell the truth, which implicates her family, or tell lies that the boys could easily expose. For example if she tried to support the double extortion theory, the boys would know she was full of crap.

There are parallels with the murder of Howard Pilmar, killed by his exwife and her brother. Both convicted, his son a DA, supported his mother, despite the overwhelming evidence showing she was responsible for his fathers death. He even shunned his fathers family because they were fighting for his mother to be convicted. At least one of the Markel boys has maintained contact with the Adelsons, writing to CA and visiting DA in jail. So I believe even if their mother is convicted, there may be some level of denial with the boys.

Re GC not arresting WA simply because she is a mother is just nonsensical. She is a prosecutor first, mother second. Her priority is justice and she will do everything in her power to ensure WA is put behind bars for as long as possible. Any delays with her arrest are simply because of their specific strategy, nothing to do with considering the boys. Parents get arrested all the time and often in front of their kids. Parents get executed.

GC does consider the Markels and their relationship with the boys. She engineered it that CA would be arrested after the Markels had visited the boys, knowing if the arrest warrant had been issued earlier, WA may have denied them the visit. But as soon as DS is convicted, WA will be picked up.

 

[Cryptic]

It is fascinating to me how many people believe the myth of the hit man. I really wonder what made the Adelsons believe they could pull this off.

I suspect the "hit man belief" stemmed primarily from arrogance in this case. The individual who actively hired the hitman was highly successful in his career and a "master of his universe".

He had demonstrated the ability to make good (though not necessarily ethical) decisions for decades. He then assumed he had the ability to extend that same competency to hiring a hitman. "Hey, dont worry, I've got this...."

 

[Zedzded]

I suspect the "hit man belief" stemmed primarily from arrogance in this case. The individual who actively hired the hitman was highly successful in his career and a "master of his universe".

He had demonstrated the ability to make good (though not necessarily ethical) decisions for decades. He then assumed he had the ability to extend that same competency to hiring a hitman. "Hey, dont worry, I've got this...."

And I think one of the traits of a narcissist is that they think they are much more intelligent than everyone else and there is no way they will ever be caught because they are simply too smart. This explains why their plan was so poorly executed and full of holes. They're not thinking "what if they get caught" which enabled them to be sloppy. They're thinking "they'll never be caught."

I think the TV repair was an extension of this belief that they were more intelligent than everyone else. They thought up this bizarre, inane (or is that insane??) alibi for WA that did not make sense and was completely unnecessary. But it was convoluted and was a demonstration of their superior intellect.. and again with them talking in code thinking they're elite CIA agents or something and the double extortion theory...

Their narcissism was their undoing. Take that out of the equation, I'm sure 4 smart, educated adults could conjure up a pretty foolproof murder, ensuring they avoid prosecution.

 

[apeXperience]

Donna Adelson’s Court proceeding dates:

- [ ] Testimony begins on or before Monday June 9, 2025 at Leon County Courtroom 3G
- [ ] Jury selection and trial Tuesday June 3, 2025 at 8:30 am
- [ ] Pre-trial hearing Friday May 16, 2025 at 9:00 am at Leon County Courtroom 3G
- [ ] Witness lists & exhibits exchanged on or before Wednesday April 30, 2025
- [ ] Filing of all pre trial motions on or before Wednesday April 30, 2025
- [ ] Motions in liming at the latest in May 2025
- [ ] Discovery, depositions, expert lists, witnesses and materials by Wednesday April 30, 2025
- [ ] Next Case Management Hearing Tuesday February 11, 2025 at 2:30 pm at Leon County Courtroom 3B

 

[apeXperience]

Today January 1st, 2025, here is a subjective summary about the in camera motion hearing (see attached) that was sealed from September 6, 2024, but unsealed yesterday December 31st, 2024.

Dr. Robert Adelson has been listed as State witness. It has been intriguing what Dr. Robert Adelson could have said to the prosecutors in private and to the former defense team of Ms. Donna Adelson, Rashbaum and Morris, in his deposition?

• The former defense team of Ms. Donna Adelson, Rashbaum and Morris, wanted to suppress his testimony
• The mystery of his testimony is still veiled but a glimpse of it could be derived from the recently unsealed in camera hearing

Reading between the lines of this in camera motion hearing, which lasted just 20 minutes, reveals about the potential of Dr. Robert Adelson’s testimony against Donna Adelson, and all other Adelsons.

It could be derived that slurs and strong words were used during Dr. Robert Adelson’s deposition.

As a State witness, Dr. Robert Adelson (estranged son of Donna Adelson) was deposed by Rashbaum and Morris on behalf of the defendant. The deposition itself is not available. The defense wanted to object to Dr. Robert Adelson’s testimony and to suppress the contents of his deposition. The judge ruled in parts as described below.

On the contents of Dr. Robert Adelson deposition, in page 5 line 8-10, Assistant State Attorney Ms. Dugan:

• Plans to ask him (Dr. Robert Adelson) his observations
• Things he has personal knowledge of, and
• The defendant’s (Donna Adelson’s) admissions to him

The Court (Judge Everett): “[…] I believe, would just be pure speculative opinion.”

While deposing Dr. Robert Adelson, Rashbaum and Morris attempted to insinuate that Donna Adelson is “gullible” and easily misled (potentially by Charles Adelson?)

The Court, in page 6 line 16-18 “[…] Depending on what comes out during the defense case, as a matter of rebuttal, if any of the arguments are ignorance (Donna Adelson being gullible and ignorant), at that point. It’s fair game that Dr. Robert Adelson’s testifies that his “[...] mother is not ignorant and would place her interests above anybody else’s interests” (paraphrased).

The gist of Rasbaum’s objection to Dr. Robert Adelson’s deposition and testimony

• Dr. Robert Adelson has no knowledge of crime or conspiracy
• He is going “to pontificate” that his mother is smart and selfish
• The State wants him to be paraded such that he could blur that “he believes his mother is guilty” but he is not allowed to make that statement (potential mistrial) because he has no knowledge of the crime
• Dr. Robert Adelson is “highly prejudicial to us and it’s not probative of anything.”

In page 9 line 3-6, The Court says: “Robert Adelson, if he has a foundational basis to establish this, knows that his mom was either involved in the life of his other two siblings or himself. To that point, he can testify factually if asked questions.”

There were other discussions about:

• Rashbaum and Morris alleging that the case should be dismissed because the State waited to long before filling murder and conspiracy charges
• Mr. Marcus (misspelled but it is David Markus) to be subpoena-ed by the State regarding his knowledge about Magbanua’s arrests real-time from his partner lawyer who shares office with him (Mr. DeCoste); and Mr. Markus asking the phone number of the arresting officer on behalf of his client, Dr. Charles Adelson.

The Court: The defense (Rashbaum and Morris) should reduce these issues in writing (to file motions) such that the State could respond to the motions in writing and the Judge will rule from there. The same while dealing about what pieces of information are privileged (between Markus / Charles Adelson and between DeCoste / Magbanua).

Conclusion

• Dr. Robert Adelson will be allowed to testify at Donna Adelson's trial about his knowledge with admissible bases and for rebuttal of any non factual insinuations from the defense
• He will not be allowed to state “wildly” as to his belief of the culpability of the defendant, his mother
• He will not be allowed to report "slurs" or other strong words he heard.

 

[JerseyPride]

 

[Zedzded]

Conclusion

• Dr. Robert Adelson will be allowed to testify at Donna Adelson's trial about his knowledge with admissible bases and for rebuttal of any non factual insinuations from the defense
• He will not be allowed to state “wildly” as to his belief of the culpability of the defendant, his mother
• He will not be allowed to report "slurs" or other strong words he heard.

He was never going to be allowed to get up on the stand and report of his families behaviour post murder including at HA's 70th. I think that was one of the main issues he had with his family, their behaviour, what they said what they did not say etc. It would have been clear to him that their apathy regarding their ex son-in-laws murder was highly incriminating, but apathy does not mean much in a court of law.

They would have 100% kept him out of the loop regarding the conspiracy to kill DanM, so he had no knowledge (IMO) of the crime and his testimony would be of little use. We need to hear DA say to RA that they're glad he's dead and they are not in any way interested in finding his killers. And that's something he will not be allowed to report. Not a surprise really.

However, just the fact he is talking out against his family is significant enough. He is highly credible, a doctor and suddenly cut his family out of his life after the murder of DanM. That speaks volumes.