Donna Adelson Appears Before Judge in Murder-for-Hire Case

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Donna Adelson appeared in court Wednesday morning as she awaits trial for her alleged involvement in a 2014 murder-for-hire plot. She is set to stand trial this June.

Adelson is accused of orchestrating the murder of her former husband, Dan Markel, a law professor who was shot in Tallahassee in 2014. Her attorneys presented concerns for her safety while in custody, claiming she has been threatened and extorted by fellow inmates for snacks and other items from the jail canteen.

According to a spokesperson for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Adelson was placed under protective custody upon the discovery of these allegations earlier this month. Her legal team is seeking a bond request that will be discussed during the hearing.

Circuit Judge Stephen Everett has allotted three hours for the hearing, during which he will also consider a motion to exclude evidence from a recorded phone call. This call took place shortly after her son, Charlie Adelson, was convicted in relation to the same murder plot.

Donna Adelson’s attorneys are requesting that a portion of the call, recorded after her son was disconnected, be kept from the jury. They argue that this evidence is irrelevant and prejudicial against their client.

WCTV reporters Matt Hoffmann and Sam Thomas are covering the court proceedings live. The story will be updated with additional details as they become available. Viewers can watch the hearing via our live stream.

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