FL - FSU Law Professor Dan Markel Murdered by Hitmen-Donna Adelson Upcoming Trial - *5 Guilty* #28

[I am not Sherlock H.]

Absolutely not. Restitution isn't always awarded. Charlie didn't pay it. It really depends on how much harm/involvement the individual has done/had. CA arranged the murder, but DA was the driving force it. She wanted DM dead. CA was probably ambivalent. It could be argued that although WA wanted DM dead her motive was not as strong as Mums and in her case maybe restitution would be much less.

Respectfully, might you elaborate on the portion above:

“It could be argued that although WA wanted DM dead her motive was not as strong as Mums…”

Thank you as I didn’t quite understand the basis or rationale. It might also be my absence of knowledge of the case. MOO

 

[opt]

Georgia “At the time of Dan Markel's murder, was the defendant, your mother, very angry at Dan Markel”?

Wendi “Before he died”?

Georgia “Yes Ma’am”.

From the mouths of babes: Donna liked him better dead.

 

[Weki]

Absolutely, Donna was more motivated than Wendi to have Dan murdered. Without Donna pushing and pushing this murder would not have happened. In other words, Wendi by herself would not have driven the Let’s Murder Dan train.

This is the state’s theory. And the evidence bears it out. Please listen to any of Georgia’s closing arguments to verify.

JMO

 

[Zedzded]

Respectfully, might you elaborate on the portion above:

“It could be argued that although WA wanted DM dead her motive was not as strong as Mums…”

Thank you as I didn’t quite understand the basis or rationale. It might also be my absence of knowledge of the case. MOO

I still CA, WA and DA all had slightly different roles and motives.

I feel that WA was guilty of feeding her family this line about DM being abusive and how she was stuck in Tallahassee and hated it. Not necessarily encouraging them to commit murder, but knowing that as she had been infantilized her whole life by her family they would come to the rescue. I think DA had a deep seated hatred of Dan and had a pathological need to screw him over.

WA probably fed this hatred, by letting her Mum know how abusive Dan was. CA could see the distress in his Mum and when he suggested murdering Dan, she jumped at the idea. The plan was then conveyed to WA who didn't object.

I don't know how you apportion culpability. They all deserve the same sentence, but they all played different roles. I see DA as the mastermind. Perhaps over time WA would have adjusted to life in Tallahassee sharing custody of the kids with Dan. But I think DA's hatred of Dan would have just festered.

 

[Zedzded]

Absolutely, Donna was more motivated than Wendi to have Dan murdered. Without Donna pushing and pushing this murder would not have happened. In other words, Wendi by herself would not have driven the Let’s Murder Dan train.

I agree.

 

[BearWatcher]

Wendi was motivated to keep her law license, Dan's law was about to file against her for filing inaccurate information (fraudulent?) which could have resulted in losing her law license as explained by Dan's lawyer at the time. Not filed because DM's life was ended.

 

[Going Rogue]

David Lat interviewed Orin Snyder. Orin is a high powered attorney friend of Amy Adler that represents the Markel family and started his representation per her request.

Trial Lawyer To The Stars: Orin Snyder - by David Lat

David asked Orin if he believes there will be any more indictments in the Dan Markel case. Orin believes Donna’s conviction is the end of the road. Go to the 35:45 mark of the above linked interview to hear this exchange. Orin is a dear friend of Amy and he represents the Markels - will Carl accuse him of being on the Adelson payroll or looking to join Wendi's defense team?

 

[Zedzded]

David Lat interviewed Orin Snyder. Orin is a high powered attorney friend of Amy Adler that represents the Markel family and started his representation per her request.

Trial Lawyer To The Stars: Orin Snyder - by David Lat

David asked Orin if he believes there will be any more indictments in the Dan Markel case. Orin believes Donna’s conviction is the end of the road. Go to the 35:45 mark of the above linked interview to hear this exchange. Orin is a dear friend of Amy and he represents the Markels - will Carl accuse him of being on the Adelson payroll or looking to join Wendi's defense team?

Ultimately we have had 20+ very experienced trial lawyers (Singer, Jansen etc) all speculating on this trial, predicting who will be arrested and when. Ther opinions differ greatly. Not because there is disparity in the way they interpret evidence or witness testimony, but because it is speculation AKA guesswork.

Ultimately they don't know what other evidence is out there. For example KM admitted she and SG used burner phones and she thought CA had a burner phone too. So we can assume WA did as well. But no-one knows whether this is true or not. You can relying on this fact WA has not yet been arrested which means she never will. And as I keep pointing out, DA was not arrested until 9 years after the crime.

So Snyder believes there will be no more arrests. Singer believes WA will be arrested in Nov and Jansen believed DA would make a plea deal and walk with time served. Obviously your source is right and every other source is wrong??

 

[Going Rogue]

Ultimately we have had 20+ very experienced trial lawyers (Singer, Jansen etc) all speculating on this trial, predicting who will be arrested and when. Ther opinions differ greatly. Not because there is disparity in the way they interpret evidence or witness testimony, but because it is speculation AKA guesswork.

Ultimately they don't know what other evidence is out there. For example KM admitted she and SG used burner phones and she thought CA had a burner phone too. So we can assume WA did as well. But no-one knows whether this is true or not. You can relying on this fact WA has not yet been arrested which means she never will. And as I keep pointing out, DA was not arrested until 9 years after the crime.

So Snyder believes there will be no more arrests. Singer believes WA will be arrested in Nov and Jansen believed DA would make a plea deal and walk with time served. Obviously your source is right and every other source is wrong??

Are you suggesting that I think Wendi will never be arrested simply because she hasn’t been arrest yet? If that’s what you are saying, you are completely misrepresenting my thoughts. Very simply stated, I think the evidence that has been made public is not nearly enough to meet the burden of proof – its that simple. Also, I’m not predicting she won’t ever be arrested, just that based on what we know, Its a VERY risky case. I have never deviated from that exact stance.

 

[Zedzded]

just that based on what we know,

Sure. But this is a murder investigation, the State aren't going to be an open book allowing all their evidence to be made public. It seems a bit ridiculous to be proffering an argument based on very limited information. We clearly don't have even half the information the State has, evidenced by GC's voluminous loaded questions e.g Celebration dinner.

At no point has she ever produced any text or communication about this very trivial event. So what if she puked at a table. It doesn't mean anything. And it's not some half-hearted attempt to plant the seed in the jury's mind about it. There's clearly more to it than has not been revealed. There most likely will be a text from CA to WA saying something along the lines of "lets go out to dinner to celebrate." WA is going to have to conjure up an explanation.

 

[Weki]

I have lost a lot of respect for Tim Jansen for spreading that ridiculous rumor about an immunity deal for Donna and then going around and saying it was plausible after the DA said it was false. Also, many people argued that there could’ve been some plea discussions because of the way Zelman responded to Jansen’s fake news. Well, watch the sentencing, Fulford said unequivocally that the state never offered Donna a plea deal.

Singer - I like him but, if I’m not mistaken, he had joined Jansen earlier in saying there wasn’t enough evidence on Wendi. After a couple years of the STS community beating the drum for Wendi’s arrest they’ve changed their tune. I think it’s audience capture. Same with Dave Aronberg.

I’m inclined to think that someone removed from the podcast circuit has more objectivity.

JMO

 

[Zedzded]

I have lost a lot of respect for Tim Jansen for spreading that ridiculous rumor about an immunity deal for Donna and then going around and saying it was plausible after the DA said it was false. Also, many people argued that there could’ve been some plea discussions because of the way Zelman responded to Jansen’s fake news. Well, watch the sentencing, Fulford said unequivocally that the state never offered Donna a plea deal.

A plea deal perhaps, but even that would be for 10+ years not time served. At the very least DA is as complicit as CA and WA, but it could be easily argued she was the mastermind. No way would in any kind of scenario would GC sign off on a time served deal for DA. The Markels would be aghast if that happened. I think Jansen was naive to think time served would even be considered.

 

[Zedzded]

Singer - I like him but, if I’m not mistaken, he had joined Jansen earlier in saying there wasn’t enough evidence on Wendi. After a couple years of the STS community beating the drum for Wendi’s arrest they’ve changed their tune. I think it’s audience capture. Same with Dave Aronberg.

Evidence has come out in 2025 that strengthens the case against WA, even in DA's trial (Robs testimony). Sara Y's deposition was only this year. AFAIK - Tara D has not been deposed yet. I've been saying for the past year I don't think she can be charged with murder/sol/cons and only Accessory after. I now think she can be charged with those offences.

 

[Knitpicker]

Ultimately we have had 20+ very experienced trial lawyers (Singer, Jansen etc) all speculating on this trial, predicting who will be arrested and when. Ther opinions differ greatly. Not because there is disparity in the way they interpret evidence or witness testimony, but because it is speculation AKA guesswork.

Ultimately they don't know what other evidence is out there. For example KM admitted she and SG used burner phones and she thought CA had a burner phone too. So we can assume WA did as well. But no-one knows whether this is true or not. You can relying on this fact WA has not yet been arrested which means she never will. And as I keep pointing out, DA was not arrested until 9 years after the crime.

So Snyder believes there will be no more arrests. Singer believes WA will be arrested in Nov and Jansen believed DA would make a plea deal and walk with time served. Obviously your source is right and every other source is wrong??

It’s been disappointing to hear Ruth say a few times that she believes it was Donnas fault that Dan and Wendi’s marriage failed. It’s as if she doesn’t blame Wendi or Dan for their marriage, and only Donna.
That would also lead to believing that Wendi is not responsible.
I really believe that Ruth is thinking of the boys and knows they have lost so many family members.
Do I still believe Wendi was involved? Yes, but I believe Ruth knows how much they love Wendis live in boyfriend.
They are wearing his last name on their Jerseys.
So would Ruth want the boys taken away from him?
Would the state , who made the Markels wait 11 years for Donnas conviction take this into consideration?
Perhaps.

Maybe I’m the only one who thinks this way. Maybe seeing Donna put away is what Ruth has been waiting for and maybe she blames Donna for influencing Wendi?

 

[Zedzded]

It’s been disappointing to hear Ruth say a few times that she believes it was Donnas fault that Dan and Wendi’s marriage failed. It’s as if she doesn’t blame Wendi or Dan for their marriage, and only Donna.

I think they were a very poor match. I think WA is a lot more unstable and dysfunctional than some people have suggested. I think the fact that she had a career as lawyer supported the narrative that she was well adjusted, living a "normal" life. Various witness testimony has contradicted this narrative. It seems that she was a heavy drinker, took prescribed medication (prescribed by HA) such as anti-psychotics and had been struggling with depression and her mental health for years. I believe she had been treated for depression since she was at school.

 

[Going Rogue]

I have lost a lot of respect for Tim Jansen for spreading that ridiculous rumor about an immunity deal for Donna and then going around and saying it was plausible after the DA said it was false. Also, many people argued that there could’ve been some plea discussions because of the way Zelman responded to Jansen’s fake news. Well, watch the sentencing, Fulford said unequivocally that the state never offered Donna a plea deal.

Singer - I like him but, if I’m not mistaken, he had joined Jansen earlier in saying there wasn’t enough evidence on Wendi. After a couple years of the STS community beating the drum for Wendi’s arrest they’ve changed their tune. I think it’s audience capture. Same with Dave Aronberg.

I’m inclined to think that someone removed from the podcast circuit has more objectivity.

JMO

"I’m inclined to think that someone removed from the podcast circuit has more objectivity."

I was going to make the same point yesterday. The Markel family attorney has been involved in the case since 2014 and likely has more information than anyone (attorney or not) in the YouTube circuit. I’d also bet he completely filters out all the ridiculous narratives that have no legal basis – I can give multiple examples of those. I’ve pointed out numerous times that the commentary on YouTube is very one-sided, with at least 90% of the coverage lacking objectivity. Why is this? One main reason is that channel hosts know their audience, and their audience doesn’t want to hear opinions like Orin Snyder’s. If confronted with Orin’s statement, they’ll go into spin control or try to rationalize it to soften its impact. This is no different from what mainstream media has done for decades. Regardless of anyone’s political affiliation, when a major political event occurs, a left-leaning channel and a right-leaning channel will have completely different takes on it. I caught the replay of AA Legal’s show yesterday with Professor Jo. Judy completely downplayed Orin Snyder’s statement. This is how she’s programmed to think and react when faced with news of this nature. It’s not a knock on Judy, I enjoy her show, but her biases are clear to me. I’d love to hear Carl’s non-objective opinion on Orin Snyder’s statement.

 

[Knitpicker]

"I’m inclined to think that someone removed from the podcast circuit has more objectivity."

I was going to make the same point yesterday. The Markel family attorney has been involved in the case since 2014 and likely has more information than anyone (attorney or not) in the YouTube circuit. I’d also bet he completely filters out all the ridiculous narratives that have no legal basis – I can give multiple examples of those. I’ve pointed out numerous times that the commentary on YouTube is very one-sided, with at least 90% of the coverage lacking objectivity. Why is this? One main reason is that channel hosts know their audience, and their audience doesn’t want to hear opinions like Orin Snyder’s. If confronted with Orin’s statement, they’ll go into spin control or try to rationalize it to soften its impact. This is no different from what mainstream media has done for decades. Regardless of anyone’s political affiliation, when a major political event occurs, a left-leaning channel and a right-leaning channel will have completely different takes on it. I caught the replay of AA Legal’s show yesterday with Professor Jo. Judy completely downplayed Orin Snyder’s statement. This is how she’s programmed to think and react when faced with news of this nature. It’s not a knock on Judy, I enjoy her show, but her biases are clear to me. I’d love to hear Carl’s non-objective opinion on Orin Snyder’s statement.

Have you read Ruth Markels statement after Donnas conviction?
She is thanking everyone -attorneys , judge, media , friends, colleagues, etc. including Orin.
Like it’s done and finished, unless I’m misreading it.
I’m still hopeful for a Wendi arrest.
Wondering what you think Ruthmarkel.com

 

[Going Rogue]

Have you read Ruth Markels statement after Donnas conviction?
She is thanking everyone -attorneys , judge, media , friends, colleagues, etc. including Orin.
Like it’s done and finished, unless I’m misreading it.
I’m still hopeful for a Wendi arrest.
Wondering what you think Ruthmarkel.com

I’m not sure how you interpret Ruth’s statement, “it’s done and finished,” as meaning she believes there will be no future indictments? She may believe that, but her statement after Donna’s conviction specifically referred to Donna’s trial as being “done and finished.” If Ruth believes the entire case is “done and finished” after the five convictions, nothing in her statement supports that belief. Regardless of Ruth’s views on Wendi’s involvement, their relationship is likely beyond repair, even if information were to emerge that completely exonerated Wendi.

 

[Born2BWild]

It’s been disappointing to hear Ruth say a few times that she believes it was Donnas fault that Dan and Wendi’s marriage failed. It’s as if she doesn’t blame Wendi or Dan for their marriage, and only Donna.
That would also lead to believing that Wendi is not responsible.
I really believe that Ruth is thinking of the boys and knows they have lost so many family members.
Do I still believe Wendi was involved? Yes, but I believe Ruth knows how much they love Wendis live in boyfriend.
They are wearing his last name on their Jerseys.
So would Ruth want the boys taken away from him?
Would the state , who made the Markels wait 11 years for Donnas conviction take this into consideration?
Perhaps.

Maybe I’m the only one who thinks this way. Maybe seeing Donna put away is what Ruth has been waiting for and maybe she blames Donna for influencing Wendi?

Wait….how do we know the boys are wearing W’s boyfriend’s last name on their jerseys?
How confusing for the boys, born Markel, changed to Adelson and now a third surname. IMO.

 

[Knitpicker]

Wait….how do we know the boys are wearing W’s boyfriend’s last name on their jerseys?
How confusing for the boys, born Markel, changed to Adelson and now a third surname. IMO.

Podcasters
Right!
Wendi said “One day I will change all our names”. Socially not legally.
Wendi now goes by “Jill Estrada” socially.