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Tragic Shooting Claims the Life of FSU Law Professor Dan Markel
Dan Markel, a highly regarded Florida State law professor and accomplished author, tragically passed away at the age of 41 after being shot in his home on Friday. The incident has left the academic community and his neighbors in shock and mourning.1
Immediate Response from FSU College of Law
The Florida State University College of Law conveyed the devastating news to faculty and staff through a statement from Dean Donald Weidner. He confirmed the untimely death of Dan Markel, highlighting the ongoing investigation into the shooting by local authorities.
Details of the Shooting
The incident occurred on Friday morning at Markel’s residence on Trescott Drive.
The Tallahassee Police were alerted by a neighbor reporting a “loud bang” around 11 a.m. Upon arriving at 2116 Trescott Drive, officers discovered Markel with an apparent gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Markel succumbed to his injuries.
Police Investigation and Lack of Suspects
Tallahassee Police, in a press release, confirmed Markel’s death and informed the public that the investigation is still active.
As of now, no suspects have been identified. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them at 606-5800.
Impact on Community and Social Media Reaction
The news of Markel’s death spread rapidly across social media platforms, particularly among members of the academic law community. Colleagues, students, and friends expressed shock and sorrow, reflecting on Markel’s contributions to the legal field.
Remembering Dan Markel
Known for his brilliance and dedication, Dan Markel’s life extended beyond academia.
He was actively involved in his synagogue and deeply devoted to his two young sons. Markel’s academic career, spanning back to 2005 at Florida State, showcased his expertise in criminal law and various related topics.
Legacy in Academia
Markel’s impact extended beyond the classroom. His articles and writings were featured in top law reviews, and he authored the book “Privilege or Punish: Criminal Justice and the Challenge of Family Ties.” Additionally, his insightful opinion pieces found a platform in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Slate, and The Atlantic.
Wealthy Mom Accused of Masterminding Plot to Kill Son-in-Law Dan Markel
Another one bites the dust. #DonnaAdelson arrest. #Adelson #DanMarkel #Miami #Florida pic.twitter.com/x2Uxnzadhs
— Mishel Matters (@Faith4Mishel) January 17, 2024
The mother of a man recently convicted of hiring a hitman to kill his brother-in-law is now implicated as one of the masterminds behind the murder plot, according to authorities.2
Donna Adelson, aged 73, stands accused of orchestrating the murder amid a contentious custody battle with the victim’s daughter.
Arrest at Miami International Airport:
Donna Adelson was arrested at Miami International Airport on Monday night, where she and her husband, Harvey Adelson, were preparing to board a flight to Vietnam with a two-day stop in Dubai. The arrest came one week after her son, Charlie Adelson, was convicted on charges related to the murder.
Charges Against Donna Adelson:
Donna Adelson faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder in connection with the 2014 death of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel.
Convictions in Markel Murder Case:
Charlie Adelson, Donna’s son, was convicted on the same charges a week before her arrest. Three others, including Charlie’s then-girlfriend Katherine “Katie” Magbanua and the suspected triggerman Sigfredo “Tuto” Garcia, have been convicted in connection with Markel’s murder.
Details of Donna Adelson’s Alleged Role
The probable cause affidavit outlines Donna’s alleged role in the murder plot, driven by her anger over Markel’s refusal to allow her daughter, Wendi, to move with the children to South Florida. The bitter custody battle ensued after Wendi’s divorce from Markel.3
Custody Battle and Alleged Coercion Attempts:
Following a court denial of Wendi’s motion to move to Miami with the children, Donna repeatedly attempted to convince Wendi to coerce Markel into allowing the move. Donna suggested offering Markel $1 million, which he refused, and even proposed threatening to convert the children to Catholicism, knowing Markel’s strong adherence to his Jewish faith.
Discovery of Murder Plot:
Wendi Adelson’s ex-boyfriend revealed that Charlie had considered hiring a hitman in 2013, costing either $15,000 or $50,000. Markel was found dead on July 18, 2014, leading to suspicions of an arranged murder.
Aftermath of Charlie’s Conviction:
After Charlie’s conviction, Donna allegedly discussed plans for the future with her son in jail, including considerations of suicide and fleeing to a non-extradition country. The affidavit notes Donna’s substantial financial resources for such endeavors.
Legal Proceedings:
Donna Adelson remains held in jail without bail, awaiting transfer to Tallahassee. Charlie Adelson is scheduled for sentencing in December, facing a mandatory life sentence.
Investigation and Rewards
In the pursuit of justice, a $25,000 reward was initially offered for information related to the case.
This reward later increased to $100,000 a year later. The police, during a press conference, released photos of a Toyota Prius spotted in the vicinity, seeking assistance from the public to locate the vehicle associated with Markel’s murder. Despite these efforts, the case remains unsolved.
Charlie Adelson’s Testimony
On February 28, 2023, an intriguing development occurred as Charlie Adelson left the witness stand in the courtroom.
Dan Markel: A Brief Biography
Early Life and Education
Daniel Eric Markel, born on October 9, 1972, in Toronto, Canada, was a prominent figure in the legal community.4
He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2001 after studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and earning a master’s in political theory at Cambridge.
Academic Career at Florida State University
Markel’s legal career took a significant turn when he joined Florida State University’s College of Law in 2005. Holding the position of the D’Alemberte professor of law, he established himself as a great and generous scholar during his tenure.
Personal Life and Marriage
In 2006, shortly after commencing his career at FSU, Markel married Wendi Adelson, a fellow law professional. The couple had two sons, Benjamin in 2009 and Lincoln in 2010, but their relationship took a tumultuous turn.
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The Turbulent Divorce
The fairy-tale marriage between Markel and Adelson came to a bitter end when Adelson filed for divorce on September 10, 2012. The divorce proceedings became messy, with Markel returning home from a business trip to find his family gone and divorce paperwork on his bed.
Legal Battles and Custody Disputes
Court documents revealed a contentious divorce, with Markel passionately arguing against the children leaving the Capital City. Despite the fighting, the divorce was granted in July 2013, with shared custody and financial arrangements.
Ongoing Struggles
The post-divorce period was marked by ongoing disputes over finances, visitation rights, and education plans for the children. Markel filed motions to enforce the marriage settlement agreement, alleging lack of transparency about Adelson’s financial assets.
Tragic End to a Life
- On July 18, 2014, tragedy struck as Markel left his home to drop his children at daycare. He was followed by a Prius, and upon returning home, he was found shot in his vehicle. The incident left the community in shock.
- The investigation revealed that Markel was followed throughout the morning before the fatal incident occurred. His sister, Shelly Markel, described the entire experience as the “strangest, saddest, most surreal” she had ever encountered.
- Dan Markel’s life, marked by academic excellence and personal challenges, ended tragically, leaving behind a legacy that extended beyond the legal realm.
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Dan Markel’s Death And Obituary
On July 18, 2014, tragedy struck as Dan Markel, a well-respected professor, was shot inside his home in Tallahassee, Florida, at approximately 11 a.m. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries early the next morning.
Intentional Murder
The Tallahassee Police Department investigated and declared Markel’s death a murder, emphasizing that he was the intended target of this heinous act.
Delay in Emergency Response
Subsequent news reports revealed a disturbing aspect of the incident – a delay in emergency response. This delay was attributed to a dispatcher incorrectly categorizing the seriousness of the shooting.
Memorial and Funeral
- The day after his untimely death, a memorial service was conducted at the synagogue in Tallahassee that Markel attended. His final resting place is in Canada, his home country where he grew up.
- A noon memorial service is planned for Sunday at Congregation Shomrei Torah, where Markel was actively involved.
- A memorial service at FSU is also scheduled for later in the fall to allow more students and faculty to participate in honoring his memory.
