FL - FSU Law Professor Dan Markel Murdered by Hitmen-Donna Adelson Upcoming Trial - *5 Guilty* #27

[turaj]

I avoided watching the forewoman’s TikTok video because of all the negative feedback I read, but I finally just watched it with one eye open. Lol. She’s not as bad as I thought. She’s obviously in her 20s and she’s also, reportedly, a mom of 2. There’s no shame in being young. I thought it was cute when she explained how she ended up as the foreperson. All the older jurors didn’t rise to the occasion (how ironic that all the “mature” jurors avoided the responsibility) but here she was actually interested in the position because she didn’t want someone to take the jury “in a million different directions.” That was shrewd of her. And perhaps she’s the reason the deliberations were orderly and efficient.

It’s normal for her to be excited and wanting to share on social media. It’s a generational thing and I don’t fault her for that. I’m confused why the J4D community is feeling so negatively towards this woman when it embraces many of the podcasters on this case who have been spreading misinformation, speculation and inanity about this case. We have seen all kinds of tackiness from all these podcasters for the last 2-3 years, and yet they all get views and tons of support from this community.

She was also careful to point out several times that she and the jury followed the instructions and the law. That shows she’s aware of the pitfalls of jurors speaking out publicly.

JMO

Agree with what you said although admittedly at first I was taken back by the TIKTOK videos. LYK did a review and in general was fine with her speaking out as she has but did bring up the instruction that judge everett could have given to not go on social media during the trial. Some judges give this instruction. I think that might have been wise. During the trial I think the risk to have something pop up might be great. She was clearly active during the trial on sm.

 

[pseudo_hum]

Also, I assume Donna expected Wendi to be indebted for life. I mean, after all, look what they did for HER...

JMO.

No kidding, at least DA should send the boys an autographed copy of her most recent mugshot.

 

[Knitpicker]

Agree with what you said although admittedly at first I was taken back by the TIKTOK videos. LYK did a review and in general was fine with her speaking out as she has but did bring up the instruction that judge everett could have given to not go on social media during the trial. Some judges give this instruction. I think that might have been wise. During the trial I think the risk to have something pop up might be great. She was clearly active during the trial on sm.

At first impression she seemed like someone wanting to profit on being a juror/foreman.
Many of us, being older, at first thought this was contrived and attention seeking bc we are not part of this generation and things were so different way back when.
Since my first impression, I have watched all of her videos and she does seem like a bright, seeking to do the right thing kind of person, even if she appeared very young (which we findout she isn’t)

She was very organized in her thinking and ultimately was an asset to the jury.
(No one else volunteered to be foreman also)

 

[vislaw]

I also want to address several smears made here against the forewoman, as I couldn't disagree more with the criticisms.

First, some have dinged her for being too excited or too eager. It's hard to believe we watched the same videos. I'd like anyone who has that view to quote her or give a timestamp where she says anything inappropriate or unseemly. And there is nothing wrong with someone being excited with their jury service anyway. I'm sure many of us would have loved to be on a jury for a case like this. I'd also rather see someone eager for jury duty than all those who would rather just get out of it. And if she was acting too excited, what does that say about GC, the professional government official, during her comments after the verdict, because she appears many times more excited, as do the people loudly cheering in the audience there. Yet, I don't recall anyone here criticizing GC for her demeanor, only approval. CourtTV - Georgia Cappleman Reflects on Win

Some other things that have been said about her:

"It appears their minds were already made up prior to deliberation."

Nowhere is that either stated or implied in anything she said, it's the opposite in fact. She sounds like she was very conscientious and responsible in her duties, the kind of juror anyone should want. It can bee seen why she was chosen as the forewoman. Show me a quote, if you disagree.

"It’s always the wannabes that want fame and attention. It’s so unattractive."
"she now thinks she is very very legal savvy. I think this is her 15 min of fame."

Such hostile and snide comments against someone posting on their own little SM page without any fanfare. She didn't go to the media, she went on her small channel where she has long regularly posted about her life. Would it be any more valid if she did an interview for a mainstream news network? I don't see why it should. She would have gotten more views if she did that than she has on her page, if it were all about wanting "fame and attention." And going by her last video, it sounds like the "wannabe" won't be talking about it anymore at all.

"Very concerned she worked hard to get seated on jury for this opportunity."

This is a strange thing to say since nobody has any control over getting picked for jury duty, other than getting a driver's license or registering to vote. If anyone thinks she lied during jury selection, that's simply a wild unfounded, irresponsible allegation.

A couple of people brought up the Murdaugh jurors as a comparison against her, but the problems there were about what happened during the trial, not what someone said after the trial. And the biggest problem there was the clerk, not the jurors. It's a false comparison unless you can point to any actual misconduct.

Someone also talked about an unnamed "commentator" who was following the juror's TikTok who thinks that "one or more major networks have gotten to her and asked her to stop and come on for interviews" and then the user adds themselves that "those gigs pay and involve nice trips so I think she will stop the TikTok now."

So this person took as fact someone's hearsay about what the juror said (when her video is there for anyone to watch themself) which were just the commentator's speculations about media involvement and ran with it with more speculations. But the juror said nor implied anything about going to media. Even the Tallahassee Democrat news story about her said they reached out to her and she had not responded. She did in her last post indicate she would not be talking about the trial anymore, but what she said was, "I came to share my insight but there is a lot of people who took it the wrong way and that's okay and so although this has been fun, i think it's going to be all for me."

So if she quits talking, it will be because she doesn't want to deal with the haters. Thank a lot, haters.

And if you want to call her out, at least see what she said for yourself. It's all publicly available, no paywall.

-moo, except for facts

Damn fine commentary and I'm very glad you took the time to express these thoughts. Juries are the absolute foundation of our system and from everything I can see this was a thoughtful jury who took their role very seriously and appropriately. I'm grateful to learn more about their deliberations.

 

[turaj]

Though JL had some useful info to share, IMO, he seems to have an agenda. Maybe a jilted lover?? Possibly one of many??

while I think a case could be made for jilted lover I think his biggest agenda is it sure seemed like he was being set up to be the the fall guy. Now that would be more powerful than being jilted. That morning's call from Dan giving exact time at gym etc. and her drive by without any follow up to see what was happening right where her kids were staying? That to me says WA had a lot to do with this crime. JL would have been in for a lot more hell had his plans not changed.

 

[turaj]

At first impression she seemed like someone wanting to profit on being a juror/foreman.
Many of us, being older, at first thought this was contrived and attention seeking bc we are not part of this generation and things were so different way back when.
Since my first impression, I have watched all of her videos and she does seem like a bright, seeking to do the right thing kind of person, even if she appeared very young (which we findout she isn’t)

She was very organized in her thinking and ultimately was an asset to the jury.
(No one else volunteered to be foreman also)

I wonder if we will hear from any other juror?

 

[vislaw]

Is DA expected to appeal the verdict? (Do all convicted murderers appeal, or does it just seem so?)

What is the tea on WA seeing other men when she was with JL? Is this known to be the case? If so, is it mentioned to indicate her lack of character? Did JL say that she had a bruised behind after one of her trips?

The overwhelming majority of convicted murderers appeal their convictions even though the overwhelming majority of those convictions are affirmed. From the defendant's standpoint there is very little reason NOT to appeal if the likelihood of winning has any substance beyond the shadow of smoke.

 

[DustysMom]

They ARE a wealthy family.
Ruth has published many books prior.
She owned her own business.

Phil also owned his own consulting business and has a mansion in California (aside from residency in Canada) akin to celebrity level (Carl S was invited there).

Their family lakefront summer home in Ontario is worth more than the Adelsons ICON condo.

From my understanding, Ruth has some projects in the works and met with some producers during the trial.

You SHOULD read her book. Its a fast read and very well written and informative.

I agree. I read Ruth’s book - wasn’t expecting much - and I was surprised at how informative and well written it was. IMO, the Markels are accomplished people who don’t advertise their wealth, education, social status. They are a class act.

 

[Ferpo]

What is case management????

Routine hearing to address any new motions. In CA post-verdict case management hearing, his team filed a sealed Motion to interview jurors, which was later denied.

 

[Ferpo]

I wonder if we will hear from any other juror?

I remember we heard nothing from any CA juror.

 

[Luna20]

Have we talked about the description of WA in Amazon for her book? A contortionist??

Amazon.com

View attachment 612924

Right because she divorced and killed her husband so she could reside where she wanted to with “her” boys, her name and close to Mommy Dearest.

 

[turaj]

I remember we heard nothing from any CA juror.

I would not speak out if I were a juror given the connection this case has to the gangs in Miami etc. I have no doubt Charlie still has some "buddies from the wrong side of the tracks" and bank accounts offshore.

 

[Luna20]

Just an aside here in this picture or others. As a retired hairdresser of 26 yrs, I could not get past or help but notice DAs grey hair and the once upon a time dark blond hair on the tips of her hair. Hair grows approx 1/2 inch per month so seeing that was a time line of her missing her regular hair appts...tsk. Guess she couldn't get hair color from the commissary or one of her prison daughters to apply it for her. A DIVA no more.

My thoughts are that she wanted to appear more like a sweet granny for optics. Granny’s don’t do bad things. In her attorneys minds, granny’s aren’t travelling the world unless a grandchild is with them. Botox, and blonde hair is for the self centred 75 year olds who want to look younger (that is not a true statement but I can totally see her attorneys taking that position). They seemed so out of touch with the times.

In her first photo from jail she looks like a refined petite woman who is beauty conscious and takes care of herself. They didn’t want a persona that appears vain and spends money to no end on her visual appearance. The gray hair, baby blue sweaters and overweight facade works well for a sweet granny. She’s home making banana bread for her family and her synagogue. She would never hurt anyone.

 

[Luna20]

I think there may have been a brief period of time when Wendi was ready to give up fighting with Dan and settle in Tallahassee permanently. She was about to buy a house there in, I believe, the autumn of 2013.

But then her mom and brother talked her out of it. What did they say to her? Could that be when the idea of the assassination first came up? Donna's attorneys made the claim that in the end the divorce wasn't contentious and Wendi stipulated to the relocation motion being denied with prejudice. I think by then the Adelson's didn't care about that, because they knew that if they lost that motion, there was a plan B ready to go.

Certainly by the time Dan was killed, Wendi was no longer "accepting" that she would remain in Tallahassee. Within two days she was permanently back in Miami enrolling her kids in their new schools. Whether or not she was all packed up before Dan's murder, she was clearly mentally ready to bolt ASAP.

Right, Wendi had moved on way before this actual move, no pun intended. She knew there was a possibility that Dan and then the courts would say no relocation. Did it ever bother her because a plan was in place to get what she wanted? It seems like it was a pretty low key reaction and that she “accepted” it. One thing is clear though about Donna and Wendi is that they get what they want.

I wonder if Dan said yes to everything that she wanted if he would still be alive. They expected to remove him completely, as in no contact, so in the end it was just best to not have to deal with anything associated with Dans ‘life’.

 

[Knitpicker]

I agree. I read Ruth’s book - wasn’t expecting much - and I was surprised at how informative and well written it was. IMO, the Markels are accomplished people who don’t advertise their wealth, education, social status. They are a class act.

Yes classy people who don’t flaunt themselves. And allow their child to leave the nest and become their own person.

 

[BearWatcher]

Though JL had some useful info to share, IMO, he seems to have an agenda. Maybe a jilted lover?? Possibly one of many??

How would you feel if someone set you up to take the fall for a murder? Think he is pretty even-handed in light of that! Bet he thanks his stars he decided to leave town early had evidence was found along the way he was were he said he was.

 

[Knitpicker]

My thoughts are that she wanted to appear more like a sweet granny for optics. Granny’s don’t do bad things. In her attorneys minds, granny’s aren’t travelling the world unless a grandchild is with them. Botox, and blonde hair is for the self centred 75 year olds who want to look younger (that is not a true statement but I can totally see her attorneys taking that position). They seemed so out of touch with the times.

In her first photo from jail she looks like a refined petite woman who is beauty conscious and takes care of herself. They didn’t want a persona that appears vain and spends money to no end on her visual appearance. The gray hair, baby blue sweaters and overweight facade works well for a sweet granny. She’s home making banana bread for her family and her synagogue. She would never hurt anyone.

Someone said they saw her sweaters in Sam’s this past week.

 

[Luna20]

What is the origin of Ruth’s accent? Was she born in Canada?

 

[Luna20]

Someone said they saw her sweaters in Sam’s this past week.

She probably wants to torch them now! They didn’t perform the way she wanted to.

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Donna Adelson Trial in pictures from start to finish

Donna was found guilty of all three counts on Thursday, including first-degree murder, following 12 days of trial. She'll be sentenced at a later date and faces life in prison.

www.wtxl.com