Donna Adelson sentenced to life for 2014 Markel murder-for-hire
Donna Adelson was sentenced Oct. 13, 2025 in Tallahassee to life without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, plus an additional consecutive 30 years for conspiracy and solicitation, for her role in the 2014 murder‑for‑hire of her ex‑son‑in‑law, Markel. Circuit Judge Stephen Everett admonished her for an "utter lack of remorse" as Adelson maintained her innocence and said she will appeal, alleging media coverage swayed the jury; prosecutors said she is the fifth person sentenced in the plot and her son Charles Adelson is already serving life.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Oct. 13, 2025 in Tallahassee, Circuit Judge Stephen Everett sentenced Donna Adelson to life without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.
- The judge also imposed an additional 30 years for conspiracy and solicitation to be served consecutively with the life term.
- Judge Everett admonished Adelson for an "utter lack of remorse."
- Adelson says she is innocent, plans to appeal, and alleges the jury was swayed by media coverage.
- Prosecutors noted Adelson is the fifth person sentenced in the plot; her son, Charles Adelson, is already serving a life sentence in the case involving the 2014 hired killing of her ex-son-in-law.
📰 Sources (2)
Matriarch sentenced to life in prison for hired killing of her ex-son-in-law
New information:
- Donna Adelson was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.
- She also received an additional 30 years for conspiracy and solicitation, to be served consecutively.
- Circuit Judge Stephen Everett delivered the sentence and admonished Adelson for an 'utter lack of remorse.'
- Adelson stated she is innocent and plans to appeal, alleging the jury was swayed by media coverage.
- Sentencing took place in Tallahassee on Oct. 13, 2025; prosecutors noted she is the fifth person sentenced in the plot, and her son Charles Adelson is already serving life.