Donna Adelson, who is facing charges in a murder-for-hire plot that led to the death of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, is making key legal moves just weeks before her trial is set to begin. Adelson, 74, appeared in court as her defense team presented several motions designed to ensure a fair trial, which is scheduled to start on September 17.
Markel, a Florida State University law professor, was fatally shot in his driveway in 2014. Prosecutors allege that Donna Adelson orchestrated the murder to facilitate the relocation of her daughter, Wendi Adelson, and her two young grandsons from Tallahassee to Miami amid a contentious custody battle following Wendi’s divorce from Markel. Donna is the fourth individual to face trial in connection with Markel's murder, following the convictions of her son, Charlie Adelson, Charlie's ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, and hitmen Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera.
Recent court filings reveal that Adelson’s defense team has submitted a motion in limine to exclude specific evidence and arguments from her trial. One key request is to prevent testimony from Tallahassee Police Investigator Craig Isom, who previously testified that he asked Donna and her husband, Harvey, to submit to a police interview at Markel’s memorial service—a request they declined. The defense argues that presenting this testimony in Donna’s trial would unfairly use her pre-arrest silence against her, potentially prejudicing the jury if she decides to testify.
Another significant motion seeks to exclude details about the Adelson family’s finances. Donna’s attorneys argue that evidence concerning the family's wealth, including assets from their now-closed dental practice, the Adelson Institute, and Charlie’s financial dealings, is irrelevant to the charges against Donna and could bias the jury. They claim that any funds paid to Magbanua following Markel’s murder came from Charlie’s money and that financial information about the Adelson Institute would not impact Donna’s culpability.
As the trial date approaches, all eyes are on the court’s decisions regarding these motions, which could significantly impact the trial’s proceedings and outcome.
#DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #MurderForHire #LegalDefense #CourtroomStrategy #JurySelection #CriminalTrial
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