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

[Knitpicker]

Donna's lack of tears and flare of anger when the judge read out the jurors' decision was for show. For people who still believe her story. Likely her grandchildren and people who testified on her behalf ( without being paid) and who have likely chosen not to follow the news as family members / friend are moved through our justice system. It may be impossible for them to reconcile what they want to believe and what is happening. Cannot imagine losing your dad, losing family members to jail, and potentially your surviving parent while people put you at the center point for this tug of war. As we could see during this trial, it was not about a tug of war over the children it was the ego of this family who did not want to lose this battle with this brilliant man - therefore the critical timing of the murder - they did not want to be caught with what DM was going to unmask with his next set of motions. Think this versus well fit what we have now seen and lift any guilt these young, almost men, may be feeling with the story that has been seen up until the evidence of this trial. Of course/ my theory, opinion only.

Thankfully Charlie was arrested when the older boy was almost 13. Imagine the influence he would have continued to have if he wasn’t. They were very close.

 

[Derph]

Just wondering if old donna hadn't been so cheap and bought the one way ducat instead of a round trip one to 'Nam if that may have made a difference in things? Probably not but it's something that occurred to me. I mean could ya be more obvious?

 

[Montrealaise]

The boys event passed last January.
Imo Donna was not happy Prof Markel left a lucrative position with a big DC law firm and decided to teach instead.
She always wanted a millionaire for Wendi.

But DM left the position with a law firm to become a professor several years before he even met WA. If DA wanted a millionaire for her daughter, it should have become obvious it wasn't going to be DM.

 

[LinasK]

Yes!!! I forgot to mention that. It was great hearing him deliver the verdict. He was assertive and he wasn’t going to let a clerk water it down. Haha!

When I looked at it again there is a very brief part where she gets angry. It was her real self on display, she was throwing a tantrum.

Exactly what I thought! Her true evil coming out.

 

[LinasK]

DA wrote in an email that their trips to Tallahassee were impacting the dentistry business financially. It's a hollow argument because they didn't need the money at that point but always the drama.

Oh come on! They couldn't have opened a branch in Tallahassee??? Dentistry is exactly the kind of profession that there's a need for everywhere. You CAN move, just like a hairdresser can get work anywhere.

 

[LinasK]

It felt weird to me as well. It also felt weird that she had sunglasses inside the courtroom and during the reading of her VIS. Chatters attributed the sunglasses to her apparant fall a few days earlier when she started wearing them inside. I have never gotten a black eye from falling but I guess anything is possible. Also wouldn't you just cover any marks on your face with make up? It's an odd choice to me.

I thought both her and Phil Markel's statements were pretty impactful. They're both great communicators. I'm relieved for them that Donna was held to account cause, I believe as the state does, she was the insigator of this murder. Seeing the statements read as Donna was shaking with rage and humiliation was satisfying. JMO

Makeup isn't always adequate to cover up a bruise/black eye, especially when you age and your skin gets thinner. I once fell on accident through a boyfriend's glass coffee table and it looked like I had a black eye, and when I went to the store people were giving me dirty looks as though I chose to be an abused woman.

 

[arielilane]

Further clarifcation from parties involved on sentencing: If the PSI is done before 10/14, it will be the sentencing hearing. If its not, then it will just be a case management hearing to see the status of the PSI.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1964027599992361212

 

[arielilane]

Lol Don’t worry! I’ll be back on Monday with LOTS to say about Momma Donna’s meltdown & why I think weak memory Wendi is next!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1964036698830250378

 

[BrownRice]

Just wondering if old donna hadn't been so cheap and bought the one way ducat instead of a round trip one to 'Nam if that may have made a difference in things? Probably not but it's something that occurred to me. I mean could ya be more obvious?

I wonder why she and Charlie didn’t split and leave the country after the first trial; it was obvious if the hitmen are arrested, you’re gonna be next. Arrogance I presume.

 

[turaj]

has anyone seen the tik tok video by jury foreperson? Jacey Maxson-Walker,

 

[Zedzded]

It certainly seems like they may have Wendi in their crosshairs but my opinion hasn’t changed. The case against her for conspiracy to commit murder will be very difficult and I’m purely basing that on information that’s public. Honestly, I’ve given up making the point that it’s a weak case because somehow people question my motive when I share that view and they believe that opinion is anti J4DM or not in good faith.

There was more evidence that came out in DA's trial and what also evolved in DA's trial is that it was apparent that a lot of the circumstantial evidence that people questioned the validity of was ultimately accepted by the jury. This bodes well for WA's trial and things like her statements to JL and SY about her brother hiring a hitmen will also probably be accepted by the jury.

I think one of the most damning pieces of circumstantial evidence to come out of the trial that will incriminate WA is the details of Dans car. DA, in theory, could have got the license plate, make, model and colour, but how would she know the year?

But what we want is WA behind bars for a long period of time. It would be great if she's charged with murder, but if not Accessory or some other charge.

 

[Snoop Sister]

The juror foreperson it seems couldn’t wait to get on TikTok to talk about her experience in DA’s trial. She even indicated she might have to do another video about it. Encouraged everyone to send any questions they may have re jury deliberation. Unreal!!

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

Check out this article from Tallahassee Democrat:

Juror tells all: Jury foreperson in Donna Adelson's trial speaks out after conviction

Juror tells all: Jury foreperson in Donna Adelson's trial speaks out after conviction

Jacey Maxson-Walker, the jury foreperson for Donna Adelson's murder trial, shares insight from her jury experience.

www.tallahassee.com

 

[opt]

I think one of the most damning pieces of circumstantial evidence to come out of the trial that will incriminate WA is the details of Dans car. DA, in theory, could have got the license plate, make, model and colour, but how would she know the year?

Someone said the planner also had the vehicle ID number. VIN is necessary for insurance and sometimes for registration renewal. Definitely needed to sell a car, for example after the death of the owner.

Much as I hate to say it, I think this item does not prove pre-planning of murder.

 

[Snoop Sister]

Someone said the planner also had the vehicle ID number. VIN is necessary for insurance and sometimes for registration renewal. Definitely needed to sell a car, for example after the death of the owner.

Much as I hate to say it, I think this item does not prove pre-planning of murder.

Agreed and it is what I thought as well. Odd, that the defense didn’t address this. There are several possible explanations, whether true or not.

 

[Ferpo]

The juror foreperson it seems couldn’t wait to get on TikTok to talk about her experience in DA’s trial. She even indicated she might have to do another video about it. Encouraged everyone to send any questions they may have re jury deliberation.

Posting here for archival purposes. You can bet that 100+ YouTube channels are reaching out to her now, to get her on their shows.

Juror tells all: Jury foreperson in Donna Adelson's trial speaks out after conviction​

Elena Barrera
Tallahassee Democrat

<modsnip: Copyright violation of direct quotes from paywalled article. Admin has added required link to article>

 

[Seattle1]

DAILY TRIAL UPDATES​

DAY 9 – 9/4/25​

• LIVESTREAM: FL v. Donna Adelson, Day 9 | Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial
• MORE | Jury convicts Donna Adelson in murder-for-hire killing of Dan Markel
• Ahead of closing arguments, the defense renewed its motion for acquittal, which the judge denied.
• In closing arguments, prosecutor Georgia Cappleman painted Donna as the driving force behind a family conspiracy that led to Markel’s 2014 killing.
  • Cappleman argued that Markel was killed because he was fighting to prevent his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, from moving their two young sons away from Tallahassee during their divorce.
  • Cappleman described Donna as deeply involved in her daughter’s divorce, writing mediation notes and suggesting legal strategies, including pursuing a restraining order and seeking 100% custody.
  • Cappleman referenced what became known as the “Grandma Motion” — a court filing by Markel alleging that Donna was disparaging him to the children.
  • Cappleman described a timeline leading up to the murder, including Charlie soliciting Katherine Magbanua to arrange Markel’s killing, communications about Markel’s travel schedule and coded language about a TV repair appointment.
  • After Markel’s death, Donna and Harvey had taken the children back to South Florida, and relocation was granted. The children did not attend Markel’s funeral in Canada, and within a year, their names were changed to Adelson.
  • Cappleman described how the family allegedly paid the hitmen for two years until an undercover FBI operation in 2016.
    • WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial: ‘Innocent People Do Not Talk in Code’
• Defense attorney Jackie Fulford began her closing argument by denying the State’s accusations that she attacked Dan Markel’s character back when she delivered her opening statement.
  • Disputed the State’s version of “bitter custody,” arguing no party tried to relocate or take children away.
  • Claimed the State ignored evidence supporting the defense from its own witnesses.
  • Emphasized that Luis Rivera (a killer who cooperated with the State) did not implicate Donna Adelson directly.
  • Argued Wendi Adelson misled her mother about wanting to relocate, manipulating her mother’s understanding.
  • Acknowledged Donna Adelson sent profane emails but stated poor language isn’t proof of murder; called her a “meddler, not a murderer.”
    • WATCH: Defense: Donna Adelson Is a ‘Meddler, Not a Murderer’
  • Insisted no strong evidence tied Donna Adelson to planning or knowing about the murder.
  • Highlighted that Donna Adelson was not directly involved with relocation or “grandmother motion” issues and didn’t know about certain court actions.
  • Questioned the reliability and relevance of testimony from State witnesses Patricia Byrd and Drina Bernhardt.
  • Disputed claims Donna Adelson helped with alibis or was present during key events, referencing phone records and absence of physical evidence.
  • Played a video of Donna Adelson’s shocked reaction to learning about Markel’s death, arguing this indicated innocence and lack of anticipation.
  • Challenged the idea that code words or cash meant involvement in a crime.
  • Pointed to the lack of evidence for conspiracy, solicitation, or murder charges.
  • Noted that Donna Adelson was not arrested for years despite intensive investigation.
  • Suggested Donna was set up for dramatic arrest without real proof.
  • Urged the jury not to convict based on foul language or emotional arguments but on actual evidence, asserting there’s no concrete link between Donna Adelson and the murder.
    • WATCH: Donna Adelson’s Defense: ‘All They Have Are Foul Words’
• In her rebuttal, Georgia Cappleman reminded jurors that only evidence counts, not the words of lawyers.
  • Argued the alleged “TV repair alibi” was likely code and easily manipulated.
  • Said Donna Adelson took precautions and acted “in code,” including behavior around providing cash.
  • Claimed Donna did not truly help her daughter but participated in the crimes, especially by bringing money and writing checks.
  • Accused Donna of caring only for herself, not for her grandchildren’s loss.
  • Pointed to Donna’s actions on recorded wire calls, arguing they showed involvement in extortion and murder-for-hire.
  • Emphasized Donna refused to acknowledge the pain felt by Markel’s children and failed to accept responsibility.
  • Stressed the prosecution must prove its case, but insisted evidence shows Donna Adelson was “neck deep” in the crime.
  • Closed by charging that “there is only one truth” and urging jurors to find Donna Adelson guilty.
    • WATCH: Prosecutor: Donna Adelson ‘Tried to Erase Dan Markel…Find Her Guilty’
• After deliberating for 3 hours, 12 minutes, and 58 seconds a Leon County jury of 8 men and 4 women found Donna Adelson GUILTY on all counts.
  • WATCH: Matriarch Mastermind Murder Trial: Watch the Verdict!
  • WATCH: Ruth Markel: ‘Danny’s Absence Leaves a Hole At the Center of Our Lives’
  • WATCH: Dan Markel’s Father Asks Donna Adelson: ‘Was It Worth It?’
  • WATCH: Georgia Cappleman Reflects on Win, Reluctantly Answers the ‘W’ Question

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

 

[ch_13]

The juror foreperson it seems couldn’t wait to get on TikTok to talk about her experience in DA’s trial. She even indicated she might have to do another video about it. Encouraged everyone to send any questions they may have re jury deliberation. Unreal!!

Check out this article from Tallahassee Democrat:

Juror tells all: Jury foreperson in Donna Adelson's trial speaks out after conviction

Juror tells all: Jury foreperson in Donna Adelson's trial speaks out after conviction

Jacey Maxson-Walker, the jury foreperson for Donna Adelson's murder trial, shares insight from her jury experience.

www.tallahassee.com

From what I can tell from the transcript, the juror took the case seriously and didn't do anything improper.

IMO, I see nothing wrong with jurors using TikTok or other social media to talk about the case if that's what they wish to do. They should be free to communicate their thoughts in any way they want. I'd feel differently, perhaps, if she was trying to monetize her 15 minutes of fame, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

It's common for jurors in big cases to end up on one of the news shows doing interviews with a journalist. I don't really see too much difference between that and the juror crowd-sourcing questions that people want to know.

 

[Ferpo]

While the DA trial excitement was going on, the First District Court of Appeal filed their "Answer Brief" (attached) to CA's appeal. Interesting info about Change of Venue and Jury selection.

Maybe this final summary is why CA is reportedly behaving poorly in the Leon County Jail.

Any Florida jury would have convicted Charles Adelson for effectuating the murder of Daniel Markel. Adelson was an essential link between Markel and the man who killed him: SigfredoGarcia. Katherine Magbanua was the other essential link between Garcia and Markel, and her testimony explained how Adelson was the driving force that caused Markel’s death. Adelson’s text messages and phone calls could not have changed the outcome of his trial. This Court should affirm Adelson’s convictions for first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder.

I believe CA attorney gets to respond now.

 

[turaj]

Posting here for archival purposes. You can bet that 100+ YouTube channels are reaching out to her now, to get her on their shows.
Elena Barrera
Tallahassee Democrat

<modsnip: Copyright violation of direct quotes from paywalled article. Admin has added required link to article>

TikTok? Okay..limited audience for sure...but she seems extremely eager to talk and will make the circuit. Thank you so much for posting this for those of us not able to see it.

 

[opt]

This YouTuber excitedly ran the TikTok video with her commentary. An impressive young juror once you see past the ebullience.