Where is Charlie Adelson Now? He’s Serving a Life Sentence in Prison?
On July 29, 2014, a shocking headline stunned readers of the Tallahassee Democrat: FSU law professor dies in shooting. The photo below those words showed a smiling man, Dan Markel, who was tragically killed in his home at the young age of 41. The Dean of the FSU College of Law, Donald Weidner, expressed his deep sadness at the news and focused on supporting Markel’s family.
Dan Markel’s Tragic Death and the Family Involvement
At the time, the truth of Markel’s murder was unknown to his peers and loved ones. What Weidner, the police, and everyone involved didn’t realize was that the source of this tragedy was Markel’s family by marriage. It was later uncovered that Markel was the victim of a murder-for-hire plot born out of a bitter divorce and strained familial relations through marriage. The mastermind behind this heinous crime was Charlie Adelson, Markel’s brother-in-law.
Charlie Adelson’s Incarceration: A Life Sentence in Prison
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Charlie Adelson’s transfer from the Leon County Detention Facility to the Florida Department of Corrections custody was reported in December 2023. This came after an eight-day trial, where he was sentenced for first-degree murder and conspiracy and solicitation charges. Adelson’s twist of fate landed him a life sentence in prison, with Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett overseeing the verdict. Despite this, Adelson has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, as CBS News reported.
The Collaborators in Markel’s Murder
Adelson wasn’t the sole person implicated in Markel’s murder. He engaged his girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, who, in turn, hired Sigfredo Garcia to carry out the hit. Garcia enlisted his friend, Luis Rivera, as part of their conspiracy. Magbanua and Garcia now serve life sentences for first-degree murder, while Rivera received a 19-year sentence for testifying against his co-conspirators. However, there was another figure in this twisted narrative.
The Arrest of Donna Adelson: A New Twist
In a shocking turn of events, authorities arrested Donna Adelson, Charlie Adelson’s mother, as she attempted to flee the country with her husband. According to the New York Post, Donna Adelson was taken into custody in November 2023, and bodycam footage from Miami International Airport captured the arrest. Donna faced allegations of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in connection to her son-in-law’s death, shedding light on her motives.
The Motive and Connections Revealed
In court, prosecutors presented damning evidence, including emails showcasing Donna’s animosity towards her son-in-law and her desperation to thwart Markel’s plans to relocate her grandchildren to South Florida. Recordings of Donna’s jailhouse calls obtained and released by ABC News further cemented her role in the plot. She was heard inquiring about extradition laws and potential safe havens to evade legal repercussions.
As we await further developments, the shocking nature of Markel’s death and the entanglement of his family in a web of criminality continue to captivate audiences, showcasing the enduring consequences of personal vendettas.