Donna Adelson Trial Day 2: Key Witnesses Shed Light on Alleged “Matriarch Mastermind”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - On Monday, August 25, 2025, the second day of Donna Adelson’s murder-for-hire trial unfolded as the state called its first witnesses and secured explosive testimony from the defendant’s daughter, Wendi Adelson, under an immunity agreement.

Prosecutors opened by summoning Leon County State Attorney’s Office Investigator Jason Newlin, who detailed Donna Adelson’s deep involvement in her daughter’s contentious 2013 divorce from Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel. Newlin presented a trove of emails showing that Adelson tracked Markel’s movements and actively assisted Wendi Adelson’s legal strategy in the relocation dispute-evidence the state says speaks to motive and intent.

Under cross-examination, defense attorneys highlighted that Donna and her husband share a single email account, suggesting that not all correspondence originated with Donna herself. Nonetheless, the jury heard that Donna monitored custody filings and supplied documents for Wendi’s attorney, undermining claims that she was merely a concerned grandmother rather than a conspirator.

Later in the afternoon, Wendi Adelson-who faces no charges-took the stand under a grant of immunity. She testified candidly about her mother’s role in the divorce proceedings and acknowledged using derogatory nicknames for her ex-husband, including “dark lord” and “STD.” Wendi described how, following the court’s refusal to allow her to relocate to South Florida with her sons, her mother suggested a series of provocative stunts-such as dressing the children in Hitler Youth uniforms-to pressure Markel and the court. Wendi maintained, however, that her mother did not harbor personal hatred toward Markel and insisted the relocation fight was the true source of animosity.

Court observers noted that Donna Adelson, 75, appeared composed but somber as her daughter recounted the family’s acrimonious custody battle. Adelson faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation in connection with the July 2014 shooting death of Markel-an act prosecutors say was orchestrated to remove the obstacle of shared custody.

The trial is expected to continue into September, with both sides planning to call additional fact and expert witnesses to bolster their narratives before the jury. If convicted, Adelson faces the possibility of spending the remainder of her life behind bars.