SOUTH FLORIDA WOMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR ARRANGING MURDER OF HER FORMER SON-IN-LAW. (PHOTO).

 South Florida woman sentenced to life for arranging murder of her former son-in-law

Donna Adelson, the 75-year-old matriarch of a wealthy South Florida family, was sentenced Monday to life in prison for orchestrating the 2014 murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law, Daniel Markel. Markel, a well-known Florida State University law professor, was fatally shot outside his Tallahassee home amid a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Adelson’s daughter. Following a lengthy trial, Adelson was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. In addition to life without parole for the murder, she received two consecutive 30-year sentences for the remaining charges. She has vowed to appeal her conviction.

During an emotional courtroom statement, Adelson proclaimed her innocence and accused the legal system of failing her, claiming the jury was unfairly influenced by years of media coverage surrounding the case. She maintained that she had no role in Markel’s killing, calling the verdict a “terrible mistake.” Circuit Judge Stephen Everett, who presided over the case, repeatedly interrupted Adelson’s statement, saying her refusal to take responsibility showed a complete lack of remorse. Adelson, dressed in a purple jail uniform and shackled, stood as Everett declared the evidence against her “clear and compelling.” The murder plot, which stemmed from long-standing family disputes and custody tensions, has drawn public attention for more than a decade. Adelson is now the fifth person convicted in connection with the killing, joining her son Charles Adelson, who is also serving a life sentence. Prosecutors described Donna Adelson as a controlling figure who used her family’s wealth and influence to eliminate someone she despised, while the defense argued that she was unfairly blamed for the actions of others. Her daughter, Wendi Adelson, has denied involvement and has not been charged.