30 Facts About Donna Sue Adelson

Arrest and Charges

Donna Sue Adelson's involvement in a high-profile murder-for-hire plot has shocked many. Her arrest and the subsequent charges have been a focal point of the case.

1. Donna Sue Adelson was arrested on November 13, 2023, at Miami International Airport while attempting to board a one-way flight to Vietnam with her husband, Harvey Adelson.
2. She faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in connection with the 2014 death of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel.

Family Dynamics and Custody Dispute

The strained family dynamics and a bitter custody battle played a significant role in the events leading up to Dan Markel's murder.

3. Donna Sue Adelson is the mother of Wendi Adelson, Dan Markel's ex-wife.
4. The custody dispute between Dan Markel and Wendi Adelson was a major factor in the alleged murder plot.
5. Wendi wanted to move the children from Tallahassee to South Florida to be closer to her family, but a judge ruled against her relocation petition.

The Murder Plot

The murder plot involved multiple individuals and was orchestrated with the intent to resolve the custody dispute in favor of the Adelson family.

6. Prosecutors allege that Donna Sue Adelson and her son, Dr. Charlie Adelson, conspired to kill Dan Markel.
7. The murder was carried out by Sigfredo “Tuto” Garcia and Luis Rivera, who were hired through Katherine Magbanua, a former girlfriend and employee of Charlie Adelson.
8. Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera are serving life sentences for first-degree murder.
9. Katherine Magbanua is also serving a life sentence for her role in the murder.

Charlie Adelson’s Conviction

Charlie Adelson's conviction has been a pivotal moment in the case, shedding light on the family's involvement.

10. Charlie Adelson was convicted of Markel’s murder on November 6, 2023.
11. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and an additional 30 years for conspiracy and solicitation charges.

Donna Sue’s Reaction and Mental State

Donna Sue Adelson's reaction to her son's conviction and her subsequent behavior have raised concerns about her mental state.

12. After her son’s conviction, Donna Sue Adelson made suicidal statements and discussed plans to flee to a non-extradition country.
13. She was placed in solitary confinement due to these comments.
14. During her arraignment, Donna Sue Adelson shook her head and shrieked “Oh my God” when claims were made about her alleged plot to kill herself.

Financial Resources and Escape Plans

Donna Sue Adelson's financial resources and her plans to escape have been crucial elements in the case.

15. Donna Sue Adelson has considerable financial resources, which she allegedly used to plan her escape and create trusts for her grandchildren.
16. The planned flight to Vietnam with a layover in Dubai was alarming to authorities, as Vietnam does not have an extradition treaty with the U.S.
17. Court records show that Donna Sue made phone calls to her son Charlie after his conviction, discussing getting things in order, creating trusts, and making sure the grandchildren were taken care of.

Family History and Pathologies

The Adelson family's complex history and internal conflicts have added layers to the case.

18. Donna Sue Adelson has a complex family history, including an estranged relationship with her son Robert Adelson.
19. Robert Adelson is a well-regarded doctor who lives in Albany, New York, and has been estranged from the family due to his mother’s interference in his personal life.
20. Robert Adelson has been married multiple times, including to an Indian-American doctor whom he eventually remarried after a brief separation.
21. The Adelson family dynamics have been described as pathological, with Donna Sue’s interference in her children’s lives contributing to significant family conflicts.

Wendi Adelson’s Denial and Harvey Adelson’s Status

Wendi Adelson's denial of involvement and Harvey Adelson's status have also been points of interest in the case.

22. Wendi Adelson has denied any involvement in the murder plot and has testified under immunity at several trials.
23. She has not been charged in connection with the murder.
24. Donna Sue’s husband, Harvey Adelson, has not been charged in connection with the murder plot.
25. However, his involvement in planning the escape to Vietnam has raised suspicions among authorities.

Emails and Motive

Emails between Donna Sue Adelson and her daughter Wendi have provided insight into the motivations behind the murder plot.

26. Prosecutors have cited emails between Donna Sue Adelson and her daughter Wendi, which showed a desperate desire to control the situation and overcome Markel’s opposition to relocating the children.
27. One email suggested using money, religion, and control to make Markel miserable.

Grandchildren’s Situation

The situation of Dan Markel's children has been a source of ongoing pain for his family.

28. Dan Markel’s father, Phil Markel, mentioned that he and his wife have had limited contact with their grandsons, which they found incredibly painful.
29. The children’s last names were changed from Markel to Adelson, adding to the emotional distress of the family.
30. Phil Markel expressed concern about what the children have been told about their father’s murder and believes they were brainwashed.

The Complex Case of Donna Sue Adelson

Donna Sue Adelson's story is a tangled web of family drama, legal battles, and a shocking murder-for-hire plot. At 73, she faces serious charges for her alleged role in the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. The case highlights strained family dynamics, especially the bitter custody dispute between Markel and Wendi Adelson. Donna Sue's arrest, along with the convictions of her son Charlie and others involved, paints a grim picture of desperation and extreme measures. Her upcoming trial will likely reveal more about her involvement and the motivations behind this tragic event. As the legal proceedings continue, the impact on the Markel family, especially the limited contact with the grandchildren, remains a poignant aspect of this case. The story of Donna Sue Adelson serves as a stark reminder of how far some will go to achieve their goals, even at the cost of human life.