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

[Elisaa444]

So, I rewatched to be sure I heard Donna correctly and she says "at this time I don't want to testify." ... "at this time..." Is she saying tomorrow morning she may want to testify ? lol;

But seriously, even though I believe Donna to be guilty - I at the same time can understand what a difficult position it is to decide if you should testify. Like she said this decision affects her life going forward...if she is found Guilty she will probably believe that if only she had testified things would be different. If she is convicted I wish I could hear her jail calls immediately after - they would be so interesting. I would love to hear all the complaining about the state simply doing their job...like Charlie did endlessly.


Testifying did not work for Charlie so IMO I believe her attorneys were likely giving their advice that testifying would be very difficult on cross. In MY opinion, I think Donna was leaning toward testifying because she thinks she can get her side of the story out and she probably thinks she can get the jury to understand how she is innocent. Of course, I wanted to see her testify, but because it went so poorly for Charlie - I didn't think she would.

I am incredibly happy to see at least one Adelson convicted and I hope Donna will make two very soon. I remember the days when I would come on this site and specifically look up Dan's case and I would see no movement (towards the Adelsons) and I would think to myself "they're out there living the good life after what they have done to Dan Markel. It is just not right!" I never thought I would see the day where one Adelson would be in prison for life and another one possibly joining him soon! I am so thankful that the Markel family is finally feeling some justice and that this family is paying for what they have done. Even if no one else gets convicted (and I hope they do!) at least Charlie Adelson is behind bars where he belongs. May his co-conspirators join him asap!

MOO; JMO

 

[BUF]

So, I rewatched to be sure I heard Donna correctly and she says "at this time I don't want to testify." ... "at this time..." Is she saying tomorrow morning she may want to testify ? lol;

I’m sure Donna is feeling really uneasy tonight.

Question - Did Wendi have to give permission for her attorney to testify in court today?

 

[Mysticeilis]

Watching this trial has been gut wrenching! Two amazing families having this outcome! I know the ages are off - but if Dan Markel had married Jennifer Farber - 3 lives could have been saved (though Fotis D doesn’t matter to me). I believe in this jury!

 

[Teche]

Was Harvey in the courtroom today?

 

[Mysticeilis]

Was Harvey in the courtroom today?

Yes. Looking thinner than ever!

 

[Luna20]

So, I rewatched to be sure I heard Donna correctly and she says "at this time I don't want to testify." ... "at this time..." Is she saying tomorrow morning she may want to testify ? lol;

But seriously, even though I believe Donna to be guilty - I at the same time can understand what a difficult position it is to decide if you should testify. Like she said this decision affects her life going forward...if she is found Guilty she will probably believe that if only she had testified things would be different. If she is convicted I wish I could hear her jail calls immediately after - they would be so interesting. I would love to hear all the complaining about the state simply doing their job...like Charlie did endlessly.


Testifying did not work for Charlie so IMO I believe her attorneys were likely giving their advice that testifying would be very difficult on cross. In MY opinion, I think Donna was leaning toward testifying because she thinks she can get her side of the story out and she probably thinks she can get the jury to understand how she is innocent. Of course, I wanted to see her testify, but because it went so poorly for Charlie - I didn't think she would.

I am incredibly happy to see at least one Adelson convicted and I hope Donna will make two very soon. I remember the days when I would come on this site and specifically look up Dan's case and I would see no movement (towards the Adelsons) and I would think to myself "they're out there living the good life after what they have done to Dan Markel. It is just not right!" I never thought I would see the day where one Adelson would be in prison for life and another one possibly joining him soon! I am so thankful that the Markel family is finally feeling some justice and that this family is paying for what they have done. Even if no one else gets convicted (and I hope they do!) at least Charlie Adelson is behind bars where he belongs. May his co-conspirators join him asap!

MOO; JMO

The DA line of the day to the judge “this affects the rest of my life”. Dan is dead! He has no earthly life to contemplate anything for.

The judge knows it affects the rest of her life because all defendants are in the same position. “You are no different than anyone else who is considering to testify”. I love that because I think he sees right through her.

Again today, she was trying to get her way. “I haven’t had enough time judge”. She literally thinks that she can manipulate the judge, jury and anyone else to her benefit.

And no one cares if she has gained a third of her weight!

 

[Mysticeilis]

The DA line of the day to the judge “this affects the rest of my life”. Dan is dead! He has no earthly life to contemplate anything for.

The judge knows it affects the rest of her life because all defendants are in the same position. “You are no different than anyone else who is considering to testify”. I love that because I think he sees right through her.

Again today, she was trying to get her way. “I haven’t had enough time judge”. She literally thinks that she can manipulate the judge, jury and anyone else to her benefit.

And no one cares if she has gained a third of her weight!

Spot on!

 

[Wishbone]

So, I rewatched to be sure I heard Donna correctly and she says "at this time I don't want to testify." ... "at this time..." Is she saying tomorrow morning she may want to testify ? lol;

But seriously, even though I believe Donna to be guilty - I at the same time can understand what a difficult position it is to decide if you should testify. Like she said this decision affects her life going forward...if she is found Guilty she will probably believe that if only she had testified things would be different. If she is convicted I wish I could hear her jail calls immediately after - they would be so interesting. I would love to hear all the complaining about the state simply doing their job...like Charlie did endlessly.


Testifying did not work for Charlie so IMO I believe her attorneys were likely giving their advice that testifying would be very difficult on cross. In MY opinion, I think Donna was leaning toward testifying because she thinks she can get her side of the story out and she probably thinks she can get the jury to understand how she is innocent. Of course, I wanted to see her testify, but because it went so poorly for Charlie - I didn't think she would.

I am incredibly happy to see at least one Adelson convicted and I hope Donna will make two very soon. I remember the days when I would come on this site and specifically look up Dan's case and I would see no movement (towards the Adelsons) and I would think to myself "they're out there living the good life after what they have done to Dan Markel. It is just not right!" I never thought I would see the day where one Adelson would be in prison for life and another one possibly joining him soon! I am so thankful that the Markel family is finally feeling some justice and that this family is paying for what they have done. Even if no one else gets convicted (and I hope they do!) at least Charlie Adelson is behind bars where he belongs. May his co-conspirators join him asap!

MOO; JMO

LOL, testifying does affect her life going forward but so did helping to murder DM. She should have thought of that. I have no sympathy whatsoever for her dilemma. Hope she is miserable....JMOO

 

[IQuestion]

Atty LB showed herself to be a heartless "hired gun" in trying to minimizing DM's desire to spend more time with his children. She called his filings "gibberish" and kept minimizing the feelings of the Father by saying his filings were frivolous and unenforceable. She actually sat there mocking the deceased, in my opinion. After listening to this discussion, she made JF look warm and fuzzy.
And then the most horrendous thing she could ever say and show the jury she really didn't understand the emotional pain of divorce was this:
(I am paraphrasing and not good at getting the words exact from the video. So this is the link and begin at 4:00 of this 20:50 short video. You can decide for yourself.)

GC: Have you ever had people get murdered or commit suicide based on the issues that are going on in your family law litigation?
LB: I never had anyone murdered. Uhm, I had in one instance, uhm a middle eastern person committed suicide just because there was a divorce and that was shameful. Uhm so nothing was liti{gated} it was literally the day after the petition was filed .Ad he had threatened, "If you file, I'm going to kill myself" and indeed he did. .
GC: To you divorce is not shameful?
LB: to me divorce is not shameful. But I did not grow up where Not according to me, but I didn't grow up in Iran or wherever this custom or feeling...
GC: Exactly Miss Bailey, to that person it was a reason to commit suicide.
LB: Apparently so.

 

[Snoopster]

Atty LB showed herself to be a heartless "hired gun" in trying to minimizing DM's desire to spend more time with his children. She called his filings "gibberish" and kept minimizing the feelings of the Father by saying his filings were frivolous and unenforceable. She actually sat there mocking the deceased, in my opinion. After listening to this discussion, she made JF look warm and fuzzy.
And then the most horrendous thing she could ever say and show the jury she really didn't understand the emotional pain of divorce was this:
(I am paraphrasing and not good at getting the words exact from the video. So this is the link and begin at 4:00 of this 20:50 short video. You can decide for yourself.)

GC: Have you ever had people get murdered or commit suicide based on the issues that are going on in your family law litigation?
LB: I never had anyone murdered. Uhm, I had in one instance, uhm a middle eastern person committed suicide just because there was a divorce and that was shameful. Uhm so nothing was liti{gated} it was literally the day after the petition was filed .Ad he had threatened, "If you file, I'm going to kill myself" and indeed he did. .
GC: To you divorce is not shameful?
LB: to me divorce is not shameful. But I did not grow up where Not according to me, but I didn't grow up in Iran or wherever this custom or feeling...
GC: Exactly Miss Bailey, to that person it was a reason to commit suicide.
LB: Apparently so.

I wonder how many potential divorce clients Bailey lost today with her unempathetic and dismissive attitude.

 

[Knox]

I’m listening off and on to the trial, though I haven’t posted or read in this thread yet.

Just wanted to say how confused I am, that Wendi has never been charged. When clearly she knew about and was involved in the plan to murder Dan? Why is that?

 

[Seattle1]

DAILY TRIAL UPDATES​

DAY 8 – 9/3/25​

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 8 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
• Kristin Adamson, family law attorney
  • Represented Wendi Adelson during divorce from Dan Markel.
  • Testified that while the initial proceedings were not contentious, Markel’s post-divorce filings became increasingly personal and hostile.
  • WATCH: Family Lawyer Says Dan Markel’s Post-Divorce Filings Were Personal, Hostile
  • Adamson explained that she advised Wendi that if she wanted to relocate, the divorce proceedings would be her opportunity to seek that approval.
  • Adamson testified that Wendi presented testimony about why she wanted to move and had a job offer to support her request.
  • However, the judge denied the request, telling counsel that while she understood why Wendi wanted to move, she would not allow it because Wendi had not met her burden to move the children.
  • Adamson described Wendi’s reaction to the denial as upset but calm when the decision was explained to her.
  • The divorce case was ultimately settled within a week of mediation, avoiding a trial. The settlement included provisions for Markel to pay Wendi approximately $10,000 in attorney fees and her portion of the marital home. Markel failed to make the required payments by the deadline.
  • Instead of paying, Markel hired a new attorney and filed a brief alleging that Wendi had breached the marital settlement agreement by hiding money in a Charles Schwab account and other retirement accounts.
  • MORE | Attorney testifies Dan Markel’s post-divorce filings were hostile
• Linda Bailey, family and marital law expert
  • Reviewed Wendi and Markel’s divorce file and testified that their divorce was routine and amicable.
  • Testified Wendi initially requested a 51-49 parenting plan in her favor, which Bailey explained was standard for tax advantages and head-of-household status, and did not indicate an attempt to prevent Markel from having substantial time with the children.
  • Bailey testified that after Wendi’s relocation request was denied in June, Donna asked if the decision could be undone, but Wendi told her mother she had made peace with it, and communication about the case dropped off.
  • Bailey described Markel’s legal pleadings as poorly drafted, with inflammatory language and no foundation for his requests. She said his communications were inconsistent and asked for things not included in court orders.
  • On cross-examination, prosecutor Georgia Cappleman challenged Bailey’s assessment, noting that what may seem routine to attorneys can be devastating to the parties involved. The prosecution noted that, regardless of the divorce’s contentiousness, Markel was ultimately murdered.

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

 

[Luna20]

I wonder how many potential divorce clients Bailey lost today with her unempathetic and dismissive attitude.

And I wonder if her clients were thinking that those files could be theirs that she is schlepping around. She was an embarrassment to herself. Crazy stuff!

 

[Best of What's Around]

If DA did testify, could the state brought CA in as a rebuttal witness to her testimony? I just don't understand why CA was brought to Leon County Jail from out of state. It seems a waste of tax dollars.

My personal belief is that it was for the defense for his free meal from Wendy’s - enjoyed on the floor of his transport van in shackles. I believed all along that the Defense brought him out bc Donna either wanted to see him one last time, he wanted to get out of ND for a spell, he wanted to be close enough for potential visits from family and his son, or, as I said, the meal from Wendy’s. Likely some combo of the above like his meal with his sister’s spoken name. I never thought anyone would want him to testify at this point.

If it was only the state, then for rebuttal and possibly to try and make inroads toward a deal like Katie to secure Wendi.

Not to be a conspiracy theorist, as it truly is not my jam, but I also think Donna purposely acted like a deer caught in headlights today when the judge was asking her what she wanted to do so she can later appeal that it was obvious she was suffering mental health issues and could not make the decision rationally. Reminds me of her panic attack during transportation to Tally. She seemed like she was having a mini stroke - this woman who is normally so quick with the facial reactions suddenly looked deaf and blind and stood there slowly turning toward her attorneys with a blank expression.

Last, as little as I thought of the defense team, I just have to believe that their fumbles over the last two days were somehow partially encouraged by Donna to create a messy plate from which to describe her trial meal on appeal. I could be wrong on this last one. They make the double extortion defense look like the genius it was most assuredly NOT.

Zero theme for the entire defense case. I know they had little to work with but it is just ridiculous to go from extolling the virtues of the victim to bashing him. They had zero wins. Mock trials in high school can do better. And it seems to me like Jackie just plain gave up a couple days ago now. The entire defense debacle from start to finish has me longing for the days when Lori Daybell was representing herself!

Whomever said before that this almost seemed designed to force judicial errors has me agreeing! But he did not take the bait. Class act. Ditto for the prosecution.

 

[Best of What's Around]

I’m sure Donna is feeling really uneasy tonight.

Question - Did Wendi have to give permission for her attorney to testify in court today?

Yes, she did. But clearly it was a well conceived plan to promote her own agenda. Wendi has done nothing for her mother nor brother that does not benefit herself more. They say Donna is the mastermind - and I understand the sentiment - but I think Donna and Charlie were loudly playing checkers while Wendi coldly, darkly, and wisely played very quiet master chess now for 12 years. I think she knew her family and played them all - not that I feel badly for them. What went wrong with this family???

PS seems to me there would be a benefit to Wendi’s old attorney to testify this way - her name was smeared by this public case in which an FSU law professor alleged she broke the law and should be sanctioned. Did it help her as well for her friend from law school to follow her and follow her lead? Followed her lead so far she even sat in to hear the testimony first!

 

[Best of What's Around]

I’m listening off and on to the trial, though I haven’t posted or read in this thread yet.

Just wanted to say how confused I am, that Wendi has never been charged. When clearly she knew about and was involved in the plan to murder Dan? Why is that?

Simply put (not usually my style), Charlie and Donna were the flying monkies doing her bidding and believing it was their own idea - loudly playing checkers with the finesse of drunken frat boys while Wendi has been playing a 12 year game of master chess, with the quiet concentration it requires.

Wendi has known from day 1 to be quiet and keep her distance from the circus. I even think her “cooperation” with police on only the first day was a genius move for show. She made very few mistakes and those she did make she didn’t prattle on about for hours on end on tapped phone lines. I think Wendi is from the character played by Kevin Spacey in The Usual Suspects….no limp but just as unremarkable and overlooked.

 

[minusfour]

Today I am overwhelmed by how terrible this family is.

 

[Tapeartree]

I’m listening off and on to the trial, though I haven’t posted or read in this thread yet.

Just wanted to say how confused I am, that Wendi has never been charged. When clearly she knew about and was involved in the plan to murder Dan? Why is that?

I believe there is enough for a conspiracy charge. IMO. but I am not an attorney; so I don't know what they feel they must have to get a conviction.

The drive down Trescott was not a short cut, by any means. After seeing police tape, she just turns around and buys bullet (sp?) bourban; says she stopped for gas and off to lunch without a care in the world? Never says anything to her lunch friends about seeing yellow police tape at her old home.

Yeah, don't buy any of it.

 

[Tapeartree]

Today I am overwhelmed by how terrible this family is.

It's hard to believe that a wealthy and educated family would conspire to murder another family member. Although he was divorced from WA, he was still the father of the children/grandchildren/nephews. It's shameful.

They literally threw away everything they worked hard their entire lives for in order to win the battle against DM. Yeah, DM lost to them, but at what expense to themselves. I am overwhelmed, as well.

 

[Montrealaise]

Are we going to rehash all the details of WA and DM messy divorce fillings? Is the defense trying to make DM look bad and justify his murder? Why this is being brought up in such biased detail just doesn't seem right to me.....JMOO

It sounds as if the defense (AKA Donna) is trying to pin the blame for the acrimonious divorce proceedings on DM. The reasoning seems to be, "oh, if only Dan had been reasonable and given Wendi everything she wanted right from the beginning, none of this would have happened! But no, he just had to make things ugly by insisting on parental rights, by preventing poor Wendi from moving to South Florida with the boys, by insisting that Donna's visits with the boys be supervised so she couldn't badmouth him. And he wouldn't give up no matter how much money Wendi's family threw at the divorce proceedings!"