A South Florida grandmother found herself at the epicenter of an intricate murder-for-hire scheme spanning over a decade, capturing national attention and raising questions about family loyalty, control, and criminal deception. And here’s where it becomes truly compelling—this case involves twists that challenge common perceptions of justice and morality.
The story begins with Dan Markel, a respected law professor at Florida State University, whose ordinary morning took a deadly turn. On July 18, 2014, after dropping off his two young sons at preschool and heading to the gym, Markel’s routine was shattered. Upon arriving home, he was brutally shot multiple times in the head. Emergency services rushed him to the hospital, but tragically, he succumbed the following day.
His death was linked to a bitter custody dispute with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson. Over the next eleven years, startling revelations uncovered that two members of Wendi’s family—most recently her mother Donna Adelson—had become entangled in a shocking plot to have Markel murdered. This conspiracy spanned several criminal trials, captivating the public and legal experts alike.
To delve deeper into this complex case, fans can tune into the upcoming episode of ABC’s '20/20,' titled "Meddler or Murderer?" airing on Friday, January 2, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, with streaming options on Disney+ and Hulu available the following day. Additionally, those interested in behind-the-scenes insights can listen to "20/20: The After Show," a weekly podcast hosted by Deborah Roberts, released on Mondays.
Wendi Adelson originated from a well-established dental family in South Florida. Her father, Harvey Adelson, and her brother Charlie Adelson, were prominent dentists and the leading practitioners at the Adelson Institute, according to court records and authorities.
In 2006, Wendi married Dan Markel after connecting through a Jewish dating site. However, their relationship was heavily influenced—and arguably controlled—by her mother, Donna Adelson. During a court proceeding, prosecutor Sarah Katherine Dugan described Donna as a highly controlling figure involved in Wendi's personal and professional decisions, including her choice of career, relationships, and property purchases.
After relocating to Tallahassee for their careers—Markel as a law professor and Wendi involved in university-related work—their marriage deteriorated. Wendi later reflected in a 2015 podcast that the marriage felt lonely and unequal, especially after their children arrived.
Their divorce was acrimonious, centered on the contentious issue of custody. Donna Adelson fiercely campaigned to move the children back to South Florida, but Markel strongly insisted they remain in Tallahassee, which was over 500 miles away. Increasingly distrustful of Donna’s intentions—and her attempts to gain unsupervised visitation—Markel took legal action to prevent her from seeing the children alone. Sadly, this was the last legal move he ever made before he was shot.
The investigation took a dramatic turn in 2016 when authorities arrested Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, alleging they were hired hitmen paid to kill Markel, as part of a first-degree murder conspiracy. Rivera cooperated with investigators, providing the name of his supposed employer—Katie Magbanua, the mother of Garcia’s child and ex-girlfriend of Charlie Adelson. According to prosecutors, this marked the beginning of a web of conspiracy involving family members.
Subsequent arrests ensued, with Charlie Adelson, Donna’s son, being charged in 2022 with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Both Charlie and Magbanua pleaded not guilty but were ultimately convicted in 2022 and 2023 respectively. They received life sentences, plus an additional 60 years on top of that, for their roles in this deadly plot. Garcia had already been convicted in 2019 and sentenced to life for his part.
Further shocking developments emerged when Donna Adelson was caught attempting to flee the country—buying a one-way ticket to Vietnam, a nation with no extradition treaty with the United States. Police apprehended her at Miami International Airport in 2023, charging her with the same offenses as her family members. Her defense maintained she was not involved, but the evidence was overwhelming.
In 2025, Donna was convicted of all charges and sentenced to life imprisonment, with an extra 30-year term for solicitation and conspiracy, served consecutively. During her sentencing, she tearfully claimed she never wished harm upon Dan Markel or his young children, emphasizing her innocence.
The case also drew attention from those close to Markel. His mother, Ruth Markel, expressed immense pride in her son’s role as a devoted father, highlighting that amid his professional achievements, his capacity as a good dad was what she treasured most.
Meanwhile, appeals have been filed by Donna, Charlie Adelson, Magbanua, and Garcia—though, as of 2025, all appeals have been denied, solidifying the convictions.
This case exemplifies how family conflicts can escalate into deadly plots, raising provocative questions about control, loyalty, and justice. Do you agree with the harsh sentences handed down, or do you believe justice was served too severely? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments—stories like this challenge us to reconsider the boundaries of familial loyalty and the extent of legal punishment.
