Wendi Adelson Takes the Stand in Donna Adelson Murder-for-Hire Trial

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, August 25, 2025, Wendi Adelson returned to the witness stand in the high-profile murder-for-hire trial of her mother, Donna Adelson, who is accused of orchestrating the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel.

Under a grant of transactional immunity, Adelson delivered compelling testimony about her family’s deep involvement in her contentious divorce and custody battle with Markel. Courtroom observers noted moments of tension as Adelson described her mother’s attempts to “strong-arm” Markel into allowing her and their two young sons to relocate to South Florida.

Prosecutors introduced email exchanges in which Donna Adelson proposed various schemes-ranging from baptizing the children to adopting provocative dress-to pressure Markel into acquiescing to the move. Adelson testified that she never endorsed any plot against Markel, emphasizing, “I was not involved in any plot to kill Danny.”

The day’s testimony also revisited Adelson’s original eight-hour police interview on the morning of Markel’s murder, during which she expressed shock upon learning of his shooting and pointed investigators toward her family’s animus. Adelson acknowledged past disparaging remarks about Markel but denied any awareness of, or participation in, the subsequent conspiracy that led to his death.

This marks the second consecutive day that Adelson has testified against her own mother, following her first appearance on the stand yesterday. Her brother, Dr. Charles Adelson, has already been convicted as a co-conspirator, and prosecutors allege Donna Adelson was the mastermind behind the plot.

Judge Jennifer O’Connell adjourned court for the day after Adelson completed her direct examination. Cross-examination is scheduled to resume tomorrow morning.