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Donna Adelson’s Age, Life Sentence, And Five Shocking Facts About The Dan Markel Murder Case

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The conviction of Donna Adelson in the high-profile murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, has brought a dramatic, decade-long legal saga to a close—or has it? As of late 2025, the 75-year-old matriarch of the wealthy South Florida Adelson family is serving a life sentence, yet the legal battle is far from over, with new motions being filed by her defense team.

The case has captivated the nation, not just for its shocking details of a family allegedly orchestrating a contract killing, but also for the age and social standing of the key figures involved. The central question of "Donna Adelson age" provides a stark contrast to the severity of the crimes she was convicted of committing, highlighting a life that transitioned from affluent bookkeeper to convicted felon in her mid-70s.

Donna Sue Adelson: Biographical Profile and Timeline

Donna Sue Adelson is a figure whose life story is now inextricably linked to one of Florida's most notorious criminal cases. Her profile details a life of privilege and professional involvement in her family's dental practice, culminating in a dramatic arrest and conviction in her later years.

  • Full Name: Donna Sue Adelson (née Sue)
  • Date of Birth: February 5, 1950
  • Age (as of late 2025): 75 years old
  • Place of Birth: Florida, United States
  • Profession: Former bookkeeper at the Adelson family's successful cosmetic dentistry practice, The Adelson Institute for Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry.
  • Spouse: Harvey Adelson (dentist)
  • Children: Charlie Adelson and Wendi Adelson
  • Victim: Dan Markel (former son-in-law)
  • Current Status: Convicted of First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Solicitation to Commit Murder. Serving a life sentence without parole at Leon County Jail, Tallahassee, Florida, pending appeals.

The Custody Battle: The Motive Behind the Murder-for-Hire Plot

The entire, complex plot that led to the death of Dan Markel on July 18, 2014, stemmed from a bitter and protracted custody battle following his divorce from Donna Adelson's daughter, Wendi Adelson.

A Mother’s Obsession with Her Grandchildren

According to prosecutors, Donna Adelson was allegedly obsessed with moving her grandchildren from Tallahassee to South Florida, a move Dan Markel vehemently opposed. This intense desire is what the state argued was the primary motive for orchestrating the murder. The state contended that the Adelson family, using their wealth, hired hitmen to eliminate Markel, thereby removing the legal obstacle to the relocation.

The murder was carried out when a gunman, later identified as Sigfredo Garcia, shot Markel in his garage. The subsequent investigation revealed a chain of communication linking the hitmen—Garcia and Luis Rivera—back to Katherine Magbanua, who was the girlfriend of Donna’s son, Charlie Adelson.

The Adelson Family’s Legal Downfall

The Adelson family's alleged involvement unfolded over years, leading to the convictions of multiple individuals, including members of the Adelson family itself. The trials have exposed a shocking narrative of wealth, privilege, and alleged criminal conspiracy.

Charlie Adelson’s Conviction

Donna Adelson’s son, Charlie Adelson, a successful periodontist, was the first Adelson family member to be convicted. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges, a conviction that heavily preceded and influenced the case against his mother. His trial provided key evidence, including wiretaps, that prosecutors later used to solidify the case against Donna.

The Matriarch’s Trial and Conviction

Donna Adelson’s own trial, which took place in 2025, drew massive national attention. Prosecutors presented evidence, including a key recording of Donna and Charlie Adelson discussing the murder, which they claimed proved her direct involvement in the planning and financing of the murder-for-hire. On September 4, 2025, at the age of 75, Donna Adelson was convicted on all counts: first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder.

Her sentencing followed swiftly, with Judge Everett handing down a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. She is currently incarcerated at the Leon County Jail in Tallahassee, Florida.

The Latest 2025 Update: Seeking a New Trial

Despite the conviction and life sentence, the legal saga is not yet complete. The most recent and critical update, as of late 2025, is Donna Adelson's aggressive pursuit of a new trial.

Allegations of Juror Misconduct and Bias

Adelson's defense team has filed motions alleging serious errors in the trial process. These allegations include claims of juror misconduct and a biased judge, arguing that these factors fundamentally compromised her right to a fair trial. If granted, a new trial would restart the legal process, but as of this writing, the motion has been denied by the court.

The Status of Harvey and Wendi Adelson

While Donna and Charlie Adelson are convicted felons, the status of other key family members remains a topic of intense speculation and legal scrutiny. Harvey Adelson, Donna’s husband, has maintained his wife’s innocence, but testimony in the trial revealed his phone was in contact with one of the convicted hitmen. As of late 2025, he has not been charged.

Similarly, Wendi Adelson, the ex-wife of Dan Markel, has been repeatedly referenced by prosecutors as an "unindicted co-conspirator." She testified in the connected trials, and her testimony, along with her book, has been a major point of contention. She has not been charged, but her involvement continues to be a central talking point in the ongoing public discussion of the case.

The story of Donna Adelson, a 75-year-old grandmother and former bookkeeper, illustrates a chilling narrative of a family's alleged willingness to cross the ultimate line to achieve a desired outcome. Her age serves as a sobering reminder that the most shocking crimes can be committed by those least expected, forever linking her name to the tragic murder of Dan Markel. The family's fall from grace remains a cautionary tale about the destructive power of obsession and wealth.

donna adelson age
donna adelson age

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