Florida Matriarch Donna Adelson Sentenced for Masterminding Former Son-in-Law Dan Markel’s Murder

Florida matriarch Donna Adelson has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel.

According to AP News, Adelson has continued to claim her innocence despite a Tallahassee jury finding her guilty of first-degree murder and related charges last month.

“What happened to Danny is unforgivable. But I am an innocent woman convicted of this terrible crime without evidence,” Adelson said in a Tallahassee courtroom Monday.

“I’ve always respected the law. I’ve never gotten a parking ticket, But I’m going to prison for a murder I did not commit.”

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Adelson is the fifth person convicted in the murder of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, who was in the midst of a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife — Donna Adelson’s daughter, Wendi Adelson — as she tried to relocate from Tallahassee to Miami with the couple’s two young sons.

The two hitmen, a middleman between the Adelson family and the hitman, and Donna Adelson’s son Charlie Adelson were previously convicted.

“You certainly can choose to deny your involvement and maintain innocence. The court finds the evidence in this case is clear,” Circuit Judge Stephen Everett said Monday.

Adelson is facing an additional 30 years for conspiracy to commit murder and soliciation of murder, which will be served consecutively.

She plans to appeal. Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Dan Markel/FSU College of Law faculty biographies; Donna Adelson/AP]