Florida grandmother Donna Adelson was found guilty of orchestrating her son’s 2014 murder, prompting her to shout “oh my God” in court. This verdict came on September 5, 2025, after a swift jury decision following a nearly two-week trial.
- Donna Adelson convicted of orchestrating murder plot
- Victim: Florida State law professor Dan Markel
- Trial involved FBI sting, wiretaps, and testimonies
- Donna's family members also implicated and convicted
- Defense argued Donna was just a meddling parent
Donna Adelson, 75, was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the killing of law professor Dan Markel. She was accused of funding a $100,000 hit to settle her daughter’s custody battle. The trial included FBI sting operations, wiretaps, and testimony from her children and co-conspirators. Donna cried out and wept as the verdict was read, and she chose not to testify in her defense. She was arrested in November 2023 at Miami International Airport while trying to fly to Vietnam with her husband. Her son Charlie, who was convicted in 2023, and other accomplices are already serving prison sentences.
- Donna was accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot involving $100,000.
- The trial revealed her role in funding and planning the crime, with evidence from wiretaps and informants.
- She was visibly emotional and shouted in court, highlighting the high tension of the case.
- Her husband and daughter deny involvement; Donna did not testify, claiming she was just a meddling parent.
This case underscores how family disputes can escalate into violent crimes, with legal consequences for all involved. Donna’s courtroom outburst reflects the emotional toll of the verdict.
Next steps include sentencing and potential appeals, but the case highlights the dangers of family conflicts turned deadly.
