Key Points
- A jury found her guilty of murder, conspiracy, solicitation. The judge imposed life under Florida sentencing rules.
- She insists she is an innocent woman. She says she would have stopped any plan.
- The judge said she showed a lack of remorse. Daniel Markel’s family saw a long quest for justice.
Donna Adelson, 75, gets life for Daniel Markel’s killing. A Tallahassee court ruled after a jury returned three counts. She faced murder, conspiracy, and solicitation tied to the plot.
Adelson told the judge she is an innocent woman. She said she would have stopped any plan before harm. Recent justice debates, like Bilyaminu Bello family reaction, show strong feelings.
Judge cites lack of remorse
Circuit Judge Stephen Everett said the record speaks with clear force. He said Adelson showed an utter lack of remorse today. He noted the evidence met the bar without real doubt.
What she told the court
Adelson insisted she had no role in the murder plan. She said, “I would have stopped it if I knew.” She added, “I swear I was not involved at all.”
Markel, a law professor, was shot outside his Tallahassee home. Prosecutors said a family feud over custody drove the plot. Investigators tied payments and calls to the hired gunmen.
Police arrested Adelson last year at Miami International Airport. Jurors returned a verdict on 4 September after hearing evidence. The judge imposed life on Monday after formal statements.
Under state law, first-degree murder draws a mandatory life term. Appeals may follow, but the counts remain on record now. Recent cases, like Evans fresh murder arraignment case, show justice moves fast.
Jurors heard wiretaps and phone logs tied to the family. Witnesses traced cash flows toward two men who fired shots. Messages pointed to a plan to move Markel’s children to Miami.
The defence claimed gaps and said others drove the scheme. Her team flagged disputes on who planned and who paid. A notice of appeal is likely after the written order.
Markel’s friends said the sentence brings a measure of peace. They called him a sharp mind, a kind dad, and teacher. The campus community promised to keep his work in view.
The case drew global press due to the rare facts. Reports from court today confirm the sentence and key quotes. Florida’s record shows most such counts end with life terms.
Adelson will begin serving time in state custody now. Any appeal will test the jury’s view of the facts. For Markel’s family, the case enters its final stage
