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

[Zedzded]

Or does the defense have a new card up its sleeve?

I don't think they have any cards and they are all wearing sleeveless tops.

 

[Knitpicker]

So I was always suspicious of where Harvey was when Wendi made that call to Donna from the station.
At first I thought Harvey may have stayed with Wendi after the weekend before the murder..the week of the murder, since we know a car was rented to go back to Miami after that weekend ,since he and Donna drove her and the boys back (she did say in one trial when asked that SHE drove her and the boys back (which we know isnt the case-so what was she hiding?) I thought surely Wendi needed help that week packing and such-and emotional support.

So that would mean that Donna had driven up there herself 7/18/ ..Maybe she alone did the money drop.

So then, at CAs trial Rashbaum said that Harvey was in the shower when Wendi called. I scratched my head thinking ..hmmm…why would he go through the trouble of stating that Harvey was there yet not there for the call when Wendi say “You can put me on speaker”

Wouldn’t Donna be running frantically to the shower (or at least pretend to) yelling “Harry Harvey, Dans been shot!!! If thats where he was and he wasn’t right next to her?

Well, now I’m even wondering if Charlie could have been there after court yesterday.
Why, on one of the most important days in the families lives (having DM murdered) would Charlie be working a FULL day, and be driving home so late at night from work?
Surely he would have taken THAT day off from work, right?
Was he giving his mom support, if his dad was up in Tallahassee with Wendi?

It will be exciting when Corbitt and Marcia Rodriguez take the stand with new information.
Where exactly did Donna leave from to drop off the money? Which home?
Where was Charlies phone the day and night of 7/18?

This will be epic.

 

[Seattle1]

DAILY TRIAL UPDATES​

DAY 2 – 8/25/25​

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 2 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
• Leon County State Attorney’s Office investigator Jason Newlin took the stand and testified to the filings in Wendi Adelson and Dan Markel’s divorce.
  • Newlin showed the jury that Donna was heavily involved in her daughter, Wendi Adelson’s, divorce.
  • Emails show that Donna had been tracking Markel’s travel since the children were born and was actively sending Wendi things to present to her attorney to use in the divorce and custody case.
  • On cross-examination, Adelson’s attorney pointed out that Donna and her husband, Harvey, share an email account.
• Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter, was called to the stand.
  • Wendi talked about her deteriorating marriage to Dan Markel and her desire to move from Tallahassee to South Florida.
  • Wendi admitted to using language like “STD” and “dark lord” to refer to her ex-husband.
    • WATCH: Wendi Adelson Admits Saying She ‘Hated’ Dan Makel, Called Him ‘Dark Lord’
  • Wendi said her mother offered a range of suggestions of things she could do after a judge refused to allow her to move to Tallahassee, including telling Markel she was baptizing his children or dressing them in Hitler Youth outfits.
    • WATCH: Wendi Adelson Says Mom Was ‘Very Angry’ At Dan Markel At Time of His Murder
  • Markel was murdered before a motion he’d filed asking that Donna not be allowed around the kids unsupervised was heard in court.
  • Wendi said that on the morning that Markel was murdered, she had the Geek Squad at her home to repair a TV that had been given to her by her brother, Charlie. Charlie had given it to her as a “divorce gift” after making a joke that it would be cheaper than hiring a hitman. She denied that the TV was code for murder.
  • While looking at photos of her with Katherine Magbanua, Wendi said that she had never communicated with Charlie’s girlfriend, and that she didn’t think it was a serious relationship.
  • On the morning of Markel’s murder, Wendi said she drove past his street and saw it was blocked by police but made no attempt to call Markel or the children’s daycare. Markel had the children in the morning and Wendi had planned to pick them up that evening.
  • Markel was scheduled to leave town the next day, which Wendi knew. Wendi suggested her mother would also have known Markel’s schedule, as she testified that Donna would track Markel’s travel.
  • Wendi said she changed her children’s last names and one child’s middle name approximately one year after the murder, before enrolling them in school.
  • Markel was buried in Toronto; neither the children nor Wendi attended his funeral.
  • Wendi said she last spoke to her mother in November 2023.
  • Wendi said repeatedly in answer to questions, “I was not involved in any plot to kill Danny.”
    • WATCH: Wendi Adelson Says ‘I Was Not Involved In Any Plot to Kill Danny’
  • MORE: Wendi Adelson says Donna Adelson ‘micromanaged my life’
• Robert Adelson, Donna’s estranged eldest son, took the stand and described his mother as “more on the controlling side” and very involved in her kids’ lives when they were growing up.
  • • WATCH: Estranged Adelson Son Recalls Haunting Final Conversation with Donna
  • Robert said that Charlie needed more attention than his siblings growing up, and that when Wendi had trouble in her marriage, Donna’s focus began to shift to her.
  • Robert said he never heard anything negative about Markel until after Wendi moved out. At that point, Donna “hated him.”
  • He first heard about Wendi’s boyfriend, Jeffrey LaCasse, when Wendi sent him a text with a photo, but asked him not to tell their parents.
  • Robert mentioned talking to the FBI as part of their investigation.
  • Father’s birthday is July 5; celebrated but father dislikes gifts/attention.
    • Party was at the Continuum—secure, with armed guards; family stayed at nearby hotel.
      • Celebrities (e.g., A-Rod) lived at Continuum, some full-time; party was catered.
  • Learned about the murder while in Westin lobby; mother called to say Danny had been shot and didn’t survive.
    • Mother was matter-of-fact, not crying; recounted the story of a man asking for Danny Markel and shooting him.
    • Spoke with law enforcement the next day; had an interview in his office.
    • Donna Adelson told Rob not to speak to police; later dismissed case publicity (“don’t know, don’t care”).
    • Heard of arrests (Sigfredo Garcia & Luis Rivera) through others and social media.
    • Waited for parents to call after arrests but Donna called for anniversary instead; was evasive and ended call quickly. It was the very last time mother and son spoke.
    • On cross, Rob stated that he visited South Florida for family occasions in 2012 and 2014, spoke to family on the phone less than once a week on average.
    • Was in Florida on July 5 (Dad’s birthday), left on 6th; Danny killed on July 14th but Rob did not immediately fly down.
• Officer Bill Brannon arrived at crime scene at 11:15 am, and was responsible for maintaining the scene.
  • Set up crime scene tape; referenced location using aerial map.
  • Positioned himself to prevent vehicle access near scene.
  • Noticed maroon Honda Odyssey turn around near scene (Identified as Wendi’s van).
  • Around 1 pm, the van did not approach quickly or question anything, simply turned around and left towards Centerville.

DAY 1 – 8/22/25​

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 1 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
• Prosecution Opening Statements: Sarah Dugan, prosecutor
  • Dugan laid out the prosecution’s theory of the case, walking the jury through Dan Markel’s murder and the family connections that tied him to Donna Adelson.
  • Dugan talked about the contentious divorce and custody battle that had Wendi Adelson wanting to move closer to Donna.
  • Text messages referring to Markel as “Jibbers” and plotting ways to upset him were shown to the jury.
  • Dugan told the jury that within hours of her son, Charlie Adelson’s, conviction, Donna was looking for ways to flee the country.
  • Dugan said that one jail informant showed law enforcement a script with questions and answers written by Donna Adelson to be used during her murder trial. Donna allegedly wanted the informant to memorize the information and come into court and lie by reciting it to the jury.
  • READ: State: Adelson offered ‘jail daughter’ money and drugs to lie under oath
  • WATCH: Prosecution: Donna Adelson ‘Hated Dan Markel’
• Defense Opening Statements: Jackie Fulford, defense attorney and former judge
  • Fulford argued that while prosecutors focused on motive and theory, there is no direct evidence Donna Adelson planned or paid for Dan Markel’s murder.
  • Prosecutors stressed that two hitmen and Katherine Magbanua were proven participants, and that Charlie Adelson paid them, not Donna.
  • Attorneys said Donna was a normal, hardworking mother and grandmother, not the “matriarch mastermind” prosecutors claim.
  • They noted that by 2014, the relocation fight was over — suggesting Donna had no reason to want Markel dead.
  • Defense urged jurors to look for actual evidence of planning or payment, insisting none would show Donna orchestrated the crime.
  • WATCH: Donna Adelson Defense: ‘Two Men Killed Danny Markel’
• State’s Witness #1: Jim Geiger, Dan Markel’s neighbor
  • Neighbor Jim Geiger testified he heard a “popping noise” and saw a light-colored Prius in Dan Markel’s driveway around the time of the shooting.
  • When he walked over, he found Markel slumped in his car with a shattered driver’s side window and a bloody head wound, still moving but unresponsive.
  • Geiger immediately called 911, telling dispatchers that Markel was alive but gravely injured inside his garage.
  • He said that after Markel’s divorce, he rarely saw Wendi Adelson or the children at the home.
  • WATCH: ‘I Saw A Bloody Head’: Neighbor Describes Finding Dan Markel
• State’s Witness #2: Officer David Sims, Ret., Tallahassee Police Department
  • Officer Sims was the first officer on scene; he found Markel slumped in his car, gasping for air with a shattered driver’s side window.
  • He noted broken eyeglasses and a business card in Markel’s hand, then turned off the still-running vehicle.
  • Sims confirmed Markel never regained consciousness in his presence.
• State’s Witness #3: Joanne Maltese, Ret., Forensic Specialist, TPD
  • Maltese documented the crime scene photos, including the shattered window, Markel’s glasses, and bullet damage.
  • She also photographed Wendi Adelson’s burgundy minivan, which contained a bottle of alcohol and a receipt from a liquor store.
  • Maltese later photographed Markel at the hospital, confirming he was alive but critically injured with visible stippling on his arm from the gunshot.
• Judge Stephen Everett admonished Donna to be careful about showing her emotions in front of the jury.
  • WATCH: Judge Admonishes Donna Adelson for Not Controlling Emotions
• State’s Witness #4: Dr. Anthony Clark, Asst. Medical Examiner
  • Performed Dan Markel’s on July 19, 2014, at Tallahassee Memorial Morgue.
  • Noted two gunshot wounds to Markel’s face/head, with stippling (indicating close-range firing).
  • Bullets/projectiles retrieved from Markel’s head and entered as evidence.
  • Determined Cause of death: Gunshot wounds to face/head, manner of death: Homicide.
• State sought to admit emails suggesting Adelson family’s disdain for Markel as relevant to motive. Defense objected, arguing emails reflect issues between parties/families and are not direct hatred, and that some are irrelevant.
• Judge permitted certain exhibits if they pertain to ongoing animosity; says foundation is required for others.
• Disputes continued regarding emails, particularly those relating to Match.com and alleged derogatory comments.
• State’s Witness #5: Investigator Craig Isom, Tallahassee Police (Ret.)
  • Markel survived for 13 hours after shooting.
  • Police approached Wendi Adelson, informed her (not as a suspect) about ex-husband; assured her she wasn’t in trouble.
  • She told police about her custody battle/divorce with Markel.
  • Reviewed and discussed custody/divorce filings.
  • Surveillance video evidence: Prius followed Markel from gym, seen on bus footage near the shooting.
  • Vehicle identified as a 2006–2009 Toyota Prius, linked via rental records.
  • SunPass/toll data and surveillance used to confirm suspect route/car location.
  • Prius linked via rental to Luis Rivera; phone number listed as “brother,” linked to Sigfredo Garcia.
  • Law enforcement could not initially connect all parties but moved the investigation forward.
• State’s Witness #6: Luis Rivera, Co-Conspirator
  • Convicted felon; testifying as co-conspirator.
  • Hired by Sigfredo Garcia at the request of “Katie” (Katherine Magbanua, Garcia’s wife/girlfriend).
  • “Katie” was instructed by “Wendi” (Wendi Adelson), who wanted custody of the kids.
  • Stated he understood Wendi wanted Markel killed to gain custody.
  • Was expected to receive $35,000 (ultimately paid in stapled $100 bills).
  • Took 2 trips from Miami to Tallahassee: first was unsuccessful (did not kill Markel in front of kids).
  • The second trip: followed Markel from gym, killed him in his car in the driveway/garage.
  • Sigfredo Garcia was the shooter; Rivera was driver.
  • After murder, gun was disposed of in the ocean; suspects returned to Miami, bought motorcycles with money.
  • No direct contact with Adelson family; all communications via Magbanua.
  • Rivera insisted he did not know or have any contact with Donna Adelson or the rest of the Adelson family.
  • Rivera’s testimony directly implicated Katherine Magbanua and alleged murder was at direction/for the benefit of Wendi Adelson.
  • WATCH: Hitman Luis Rivera Takes the Stand in Donna Adelson’s Murder Trial
• WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial: Day 1 Recap

FL v. Donna Adelson: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial

UPDATE: Donna Adelson, the Florida grandmother accused of orchestrating the 2014 killing of Dan Markel, has been found guilty on all counts.

www.courttv.com

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, August 26th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 8:45am ET) - FL - Daniel Eric Markel (41) (shot to death July 18, 2014, Tallahassee) - *Donna Sue Adelson (64 @ time of crime/73/now 75) arrested by FBI @ Miami Intl. Airport (11/13/23) on out-of-County warrant from Leon County arrest Warrant [#FW23102353] & 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. Transferred to Wakulla Detention Facility on 6/6/25. Held without bond (murder), $25K (conspiracy) & $25K (solicitation) on 11/21/23. Plead not guilty. Transferred to Leon County jail on 8/14/25. Leon County
Jury selection began on 8/19/25 & ended on 8/21/25. Jury: 12 jurors & 2 alternates [8 men & 6 women]
Trial began on 8/22/25. [thru 9/5/25] eon County Circu
Lit Judge Stephen S. Everett presiding. Prosecutor Georgia Cappelman & Assistant State attorney Sarah Dugan. Defense attorney Adam J. Komisar, Jackie Fulford & Joshua D. Zelman.
Case & Court info from 11/13/23 thru 8/18/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-3 (8/19-21/25)& Trial Day 1 (8/22/25) reference post #919 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/fl-f...murdered-by-hitmen-4-guilty-26.739874/page-46
8/25/25 Monday, Trial Day 2: *Motion hearing held: Prosecutors called Investigator Jason Newlin to testify that Donna Adelson was actively involved in both, while the defense said there is no evidence that emails sent from a shared account actually came from Donna & not her husband. The prosecution is trying to establish that Donna Adelson was heavily involved in her daughter’s divorce. Some emails read in court [no jury yet]. Wendi Adelson’s attorney is making a statement outside the presence of the jury. Her attorney says she would have asserted her fifth amendment rights if prosecutors hadn’t issued limited immunity. The judge said that immunity does extend to the cross examination, but not to other questions the defense wants to ask. Judge rules parts of emails will come in.
State witnesses: Wendi Adelson. A Tallahassee Police Dept. Officer Bill Brannon. [Who responded to the crime scene took the stand. He explained that he was partly in charge of securing the crime scene]. Robert Adelson.
[see post #935 page 47, thread 26 for Day 2 updates]. Trial continues on Tuesday, 8/26/25.

 

[mdwannabejd]

Too funny. The look on RA's face when the State asked him what kind of things Charlie cared about. His answer: "Go-karts, jet skis...."

This briefly made me smile and then broke my heart. RA said that CA wouldn’t have cared about WA divorce. That means CA was manipulated by his mother and sister to get involved and look where that got him.

 

[opt]

That means CA was manipulated by his mother and sister

who then tried to pin the blame on him alone. Cowardice exceeded only by their perfidy.

 

[minusfour]

I'd love to know what DA was thinking as WA and RA testified.

I am not a fan of WA, but it would be a difficult gig to be DA's daughter. (Or son!) Hubris and pathos.


It seemed to me that HA was briefly asleep during the second part of WA's testimony- did anyone else see that? (It's a long day, and he is an old man I guess)

Excuse my cattiness, but it's driving me nuts- does WA have an unusual and asymmetrical hairline-does it dip down on the right, or is it just how her hair is sitting?

 

[Tortoise]

Was the car the killers hired the same type and color of car Wendi's boyfriend JL drove?

 

[Tortoise]

Why, on one of the most important days in the families lives (having DM murdered) would Charlie be working a FULL day, and be driving home so late at night from work?
Surely he would have taken THAT day off from work, right?

RSBM

I think sticking to his usual routine and having a solid alibi would have been pretty important for him.

 

[JerseyPride]

Was the car the killers hired the same type and color of car Wendi's boyfriend JL drove?

No.

 

[BUF]

🔴 LIVE UPDATES | Day 3 of testimony in Donna Adelson’s murder and conspiracy trial

See real-time updates as day #3 of testimony unfolds in Donna Adelson's trial. She is accused of orchestrating the murder of Dan Markel.

www.wctv.tv

@Niner I’ll try, but can’t guarantee I’ll be able to post this link daily

 

[iluvmua]

Imo, ZERO chance that Wendi didn't know what her family was planning.

 

[ShadyLady]

DAILY TRIAL UPDATES​

DAY 2 – 8/25/25​

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 2 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
• Leon County State Attorney’s Office investigator Jason Newlin took the stand and testified to the filings in Wendi Adelson and Dan Markel’s divorce.
  • Newlin showed the jury that Donna was heavily involved in her daughter, Wendi Adelson’s, divorce.
  • Emails show that Donna had been tracking Markel’s travel since the children were born and was actively sending Wendi things to present to her attorney to use in the divorce and custody case.
  • On cross-examination, Adelson’s attorney pointed out that Donna and her husband, Harvey, share an email account.
• Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter, was called to the stand.
  • Wendi talked about her deteriorating marriage to Dan Markel and her desire to move from Tallahassee to South Florida.
  • Wendi admitted to using language like “STD” and “dark lord” to refer to her ex-husband.
    • WATCH: Wendi Adelson Admits Saying She ‘Hated’ Dan Makel, Called Him ‘Dark Lord’
  • Wendi said her mother offered a range of suggestions of things she could do after a judge refused to allow her to move to Tallahassee, including telling Markel she was baptizing his children or dressing them in Hitler Youth outfits.
    • WATCH: Wendi Adelson Says Mom Was ‘Very Angry’ At Dan Markel At Time of His Murder
  • Markel was murdered before a motion he’d filed asking that Donna not be allowed around the kids unsupervised was heard in court.
  • Wendi said that on the morning that Markel was murdered, she had the Geek Squad at her home to repair a TV that had been given to her by her brother, Charlie. Charlie had given it to her as a “divorce gift” after making a joke that it would be cheaper than hiring a hitman. She denied that the TV was code for murder.
  • While looking at photos of her with Katherine Magbanua, Wendi said that she had never communicated with Charlie’s girlfriend, and that she didn’t think it was a serious relationship.
  • On the morning of Markel’s murder, Wendi said she drove past his street and saw it was blocked by police but made no attempt to call Markel or the children’s daycare. Markel had the children in the morning and Wendi had planned to pick them up that evening.
  • Markel was scheduled to leave town the next day, which Wendi knew. Wendi suggested her mother would also have known Markel’s schedule, as she testified that Donna would track Markel’s travel.
  • Wendi said she changed her children’s last names and one child’s middle name approximately one year after the murder, before enrolling them in school.
  • Markel was buried in Toronto; neither the children nor Wendi attended his funeral.
  • Wendi said she last spoke to her mother in November 2023.
  • Wendi said repeatedly in answer to questions, “I was not involved in any plot to kill Danny.”
    • WATCH: Wendi Adelson Says ‘I Was Not Involved In Any Plot to Kill Danny’
  • MORE: Wendi Adelson says Donna Adelson ‘micromanaged my life’
• Robert Adelson, Donna’s estranged eldest son, took the stand and described his mother as “more on the controlling side” and very involved in her kids’ lives when they were growing up.
  • • WATCH: Estranged Adelson Son Recalls Haunting Final Conversation with Donna
  • Robert said that Charlie needed more attention than his siblings growing up, and that when Wendi had trouble in her marriage, Donna’s focus began to shift to her.
  • Robert said he never heard anything negative about Markel until after Wendi moved out. At that point, Donna “hated him.”
  • He first heard about Wendi’s boyfriend, Jeffrey LaCasse, when Wendi sent him a text with a photo, but asked him not to tell their parents.
  • Robert mentioned talking to the FBI as part of their investigation.
  • Father’s birthday is July 5; celebrated but father dislikes gifts/attention.
    • Party was at the Continuum—secure, with armed guards; family stayed at nearby hotel.
      • Celebrities (e.g., A-Rod) lived at Continuum, some full-time; party was catered.
  • Learned about the murder while in Westin lobby; mother called to say Danny had been shot and didn’t survive.
    • Mother was matter-of-fact, not crying; recounted the story of a man asking for Danny Markel and shooting him.
    • Spoke with law enforcement the next day; had an interview in his office.
    • Donna Adelson told Rob not to speak to police; later dismissed case publicity (“don’t know, don’t care”).
    • Heard of arrests (Sigfredo Garcia & Luis Rivera) through others and social media.
    • Waited for parents to call after arrests but Donna called for anniversary instead; was evasive and ended call quickly. It was the very last time mother and son spoke.
    • On cross, Rob stated that he visited South Florida for family occasions in 2012 and 2014, spoke to family on the phone less than once a week on average.
    • Was in Florida on July 5 (Dad’s birthday), left on 6th; Danny killed on July 14th but Rob did not immediately fly down.
• Officer Bill Brannon arrived at crime scene at 11:15 am, and was responsible for maintaining the scene.
  • Set up crime scene tape; referenced location using aerial map.
  • Positioned himself to prevent vehicle access near scene.
  • Noticed maroon Honda Odyssey turn around near scene (Identified as Wendi’s van).
  • Around 1 pm, the van did not approach quickly or question anything, simply turned around and left towards Centerville.

DAY 1 – 8/22/25​

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 1 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
• Prosecution Opening Statements: Sarah Dugan, prosecutor
  • Dugan laid out the prosecution’s theory of the case, walking the jury through Dan Markel’s murder and the family connections that tied him to Donna Adelson.
  • Dugan talked about the contentious divorce and custody battle that had Wendi Adelson wanting to move closer to Donna.
  • Text messages referring to Markel as “Jibbers” and plotting ways to upset him were shown to the jury.
  • Dugan told the jury that within hours of her son, Charlie Adelson’s, conviction, Donna was looking for ways to flee the country.
  • Dugan said that one jail informant showed law enforcement a script with questions and answers written by Donna Adelson to be used during her murder trial. Donna allegedly wanted the informant to memorize the information and come into court and lie by reciting it to the jury.
  • READ: State: Adelson offered ‘jail daughter’ money and drugs to lie under oath
  • WATCH: Prosecution: Donna Adelson ‘Hated Dan Markel’
• Defense Opening Statements: Jackie Fulford, defense attorney and former judge
  • Fulford argued that while prosecutors focused on motive and theory, there is no direct evidence Donna Adelson planned or paid for Dan Markel’s murder.
  • Prosecutors stressed that two hitmen and Katherine Magbanua were proven participants, and that Charlie Adelson paid them, not Donna.
  • Attorneys said Donna was a normal, hardworking mother and grandmother, not the “matriarch mastermind” prosecutors claim.
  • They noted that by 2014, the relocation fight was over — suggesting Donna had no reason to want Markel dead.
  • Defense urged jurors to look for actual evidence of planning or payment, insisting none would show Donna orchestrated the crime.
  • WATCH: Donna Adelson Defense: ‘Two Men Killed Danny Markel’
• State’s Witness #1: Jim Geiger, Dan Markel’s neighbor
  • Neighbor Jim Geiger testified he heard a “popping noise” and saw a light-colored Prius in Dan Markel’s driveway around the time of the shooting.
  • When he walked over, he found Markel slumped in his car with a shattered driver’s side window and a bloody head wound, still moving but unresponsive.
  • Geiger immediately called 911, telling dispatchers that Markel was alive but gravely injured inside his garage.
  • He said that after Markel’s divorce, he rarely saw Wendi Adelson or the children at the home.
  • WATCH: ‘I Saw A Bloody Head’: Neighbor Describes Finding Dan Markel
• State’s Witness #2: Officer David Sims, Ret., Tallahassee Police Department
  • Officer Sims was the first officer on scene; he found Markel slumped in his car, gasping for air with a shattered driver’s side window.
  • He noted broken eyeglasses and a business card in Markel’s hand, then turned off the still-running vehicle.
  • Sims confirmed Markel never regained consciousness in his presence.
• State’s Witness #3: Joanne Maltese, Ret., Forensic Specialist, TPD
  • Maltese documented the crime scene photos, including the shattered window, Markel’s glasses, and bullet damage.
  • She also photographed Wendi Adelson’s burgundy minivan, which contained a bottle of alcohol and a receipt from a liquor store.
  • Maltese later photographed Markel at the hospital, confirming he was alive but critically injured with visible stippling on his arm from the gunshot.
• Judge Stephen Everett admonished Donna to be careful about showing her emotions in front of the jury.
  • WATCH: Judge Admonishes Donna Adelson for Not Controlling Emotions
• State’s Witness #4: Dr. Anthony Clark, Asst. Medical Examiner
  • Performed Dan Markel’s on July 19, 2014, at Tallahassee Memorial Morgue.
  • Noted two gunshot wounds to Markel’s face/head, with stippling (indicating close-range firing).
  • Bullets/projectiles retrieved from Markel’s head and entered as evidence.
  • Determined Cause of death: Gunshot wounds to face/head, manner of death: Homicide.
• State sought to admit emails suggesting Adelson family’s disdain for Markel as relevant to motive. Defense objected, arguing emails reflect issues between parties/families and are not direct hatred, and that some are irrelevant.
• Judge permitted certain exhibits if they pertain to ongoing animosity; says foundation is required for others.
• Disputes continued regarding emails, particularly those relating to Match.com and alleged derogatory comments.
• State’s Witness #5: Investigator Craig Isom, Tallahassee Police (Ret.)
  • Markel survived for 13 hours after shooting.
  • Police approached Wendi Adelson, informed her (not as a suspect) about ex-husband; assured her she wasn’t in trouble.
  • She told police about her custody battle/divorce with Markel.
  • Reviewed and discussed custody/divorce filings.
  • Surveillance video evidence: Prius followed Markel from gym, seen on bus footage near the shooting.
  • Vehicle identified as a 2006–2009 Toyota Prius, linked via rental records.
  • SunPass/toll data and surveillance used to confirm suspect route/car location.
  • Prius linked via rental to Luis Rivera; phone number listed as “brother,” linked to Sigfredo Garcia.
  • Law enforcement could not initially connect all parties but moved the investigation forward.
• State’s Witness #6: Luis Rivera, Co-Conspirator
  • Convicted felon; testifying as co-conspirator.
  • Hired by Sigfredo Garcia at the request of “Katie” (Katherine Magbanua, Garcia’s wife/girlfriend).
  • “Katie” was instructed by “Wendi” (Wendi Adelson), who wanted custody of the kids.
  • Stated he understood Wendi wanted Markel killed to gain custody.
  • Was expected to receive $35,000 (ultimately paid in stapled $100 bills).
  • Took 2 trips from Miami to Tallahassee: first was unsuccessful (did not kill Markel in front of kids).
  • The second trip: followed Markel from gym, killed him in his car in the driveway/garage.
  • Sigfredo Garcia was the shooter; Rivera was driver.
  • After murder, gun was disposed of in the ocean; suspects returned to Miami, bought motorcycles with money.
  • No direct contact with Adelson family; all communications via Magbanua.
  • Rivera insisted he did not know or have any contact with Donna Adelson or the rest of the Adelson family.
  • Rivera’s testimony directly implicated Katherine Magbanua and alleged murder was at direction/for the benefit of Wendi Adelson.
  • WATCH: Hitman Luis Rivera Takes the Stand in Donna Adelson’s Murder Trial
• WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial: Day 1 Recap

FL v. Donna Adelson: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial

UPDATE: Donna Adelson, the Florida grandmother accused of orchestrating the 2014 killing of Dan Markel, has been found guilty on all counts.

www.courttv.com

<<<On the morning of Markel’s murder, Wendi said she drove past his street and saw it was blocked by police but made no attempt to call Markel or the children’s daycare. Markel had the children in the morning and Wendi had planned to pick them up that evening.>>>>

This ALONE convinces me that Wendy knew everything about the murder.

Your beloved children are at your ex's home, and later that day police are blocking their road, and you are unconcerned????? You don't call the child care facility, your ex does not answer his phone, and you continue to lunch with friends....?? Right.

 

[clearskies1]

For some reason Lacasse's testimony this time sounds even worse for Wendi re his planned out of town trip near the time of the murder. JMO.

 

[Niner]

🔴 LIVE UPDATES | Day 3 of testimony in Donna Adelson’s murder and conspiracy trial

See real-time updates as day #3 of testimony unfolds in Donna Adelson's trial. She is accused of orchestrating the murder of Dan Markel.

www.wctv.tv

@Niner I’ll try, but can’t guarantee I’ll be able to post this link daily

Oh NO!!! just kidding! I hope you can - if you don't I will try & find it myself. I guess I have to look for it AFTER court starts that day?

 

[kaen]

For some reason Lacasse's testimony this times sounds even worse for Wendi re his planned out of town trip near the time of the murder. JMO.

I think they are questioning him more pointedly as it comes to Wendi and his experience with Donna. The idea that he had met Donna on a number of occasions is new and contrasted with Rob's testimony and texts is much more damning. And, to boot, they have better linked Wendi and Donna together based on Wendi's testimony yesterday.

 

[nodamselindistress]

If I recall, June went MIA at the last trial too! She is just too much.

 

[BUF]

For some reason Lacasse's testimony this times sounds even worse for Wendi re his planned out of town trip near the time of the murder. JMO.

I agree….even with the “new” email of Wendi to Charlie saying don’t tell the parents about JL….combine that with RA’s testimony yesterday about Wendi asking him not to tell about JL.

Prosecution seems to be putting a lot more emphasis on Wendi imo.

 

[rescuemom]

Trying to catch up and have seen the 2 days of trial. Can someone explain to me why WA got immunity of any kind?? There's where I'm confused ~ TIA

 

[IQuestion]

An unbelievably interesting day. Everybody's testimony was pretty much as expected, including RA's reasons for distancing from the A's.....
GC and the State are going to go after WE.... it was just so odd....
June U is MIA again!! Oh that girl is consistent, LOL. I don't envy her situation, but am pleased the judge looks upon her with a humorously delightful eye. Ya' know, June Um. is going to be a viral meme on her own.... A gorgeous young lady, with big twinkling stars smile, carrying an over-sized LouisV handbag, "Are you looking for me?"