Florida Grandmother to Face Trial for Alleged Conspiracy to Murder Son-in-Law
A Florida grandmother is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow after being charged with conspiring to kill her own son-in-law nearly a decade ago. The dramatic arrest of Donna Adelson took place in November at the Miami airport, where she was apprehended while attempting to flee the country. Adelson's arrest comes on the heels of her son's recent conviction for hiring hitmen to murder his brother-in-law, Dan Markell.
The newly released video footage shows Miami-Dade police detaining Adelson and her husband, Harvey, who were both planning to board a flight to Vietnam. Adelson initially remained calm during the arrest, but she resisted complying with police when they requested her cell phone. In the video, her husband is seen removing her necklace and rings while she is in handcuffs. Adelson now faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder.
The victim, Dan Markell, was a prominent law professor at Florida State University and the former husband of Wendy Adelson, Donna's daughter. Markell was tragically shot in his driveway in 2014. Donna Adelson, at 73 years old, is now the fifth person to be arrested in connection with the alleged murder-for-hire plot.
Legal experts have suggested that conversations between Donna and her son, Charlie, while in jail, ultimately led to her arrest. Prosecutors likely had Adelson on their radar from the beginning of the investigation. Some of the individuals previously convicted in this case are expected to testify against her.
Charlie Adelson, Donna's son, was sentenced to life in prison without parole in December of last year. However, he continues to maintain his innocence.
Donna Adelson's court appearance tomorrow will mark a significant development in the long-standing investigation into Markell's murder. Legal experts anticipate that the prosecution will present compelling evidence linking Adelson to the alleged conspiracy.
As the trial unfolds, the focus will likely shift to Adelson's defense strategy and her response to the allegations against her. This high-profile case has garnered widespread attention due to its intricate web of family ties and complex motives.
It remains to be seen how the courtroom proceedings will unfold and whether Donna Adelson will testify in her own defense. As the trial begins, many will be watching closely, seeking justice for the tragic loss of Dan Markell while trying to unravel the complex dynamics underlying this disturbing case.