Distraught matriarch yelled in courtroom after being convicted for orchestrating the slaying of her son-in-law

In a dramatic turn of events, Donna Adelson, a prominent figure in South Florida, has been found guilty of plotting the murder of her former son-in-law, Daniel Markel. The verdict was announced following a lengthy trial spanning several weeks.

Donna Adelson, 66, was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on all counts, marking a significant milestone in a case that has gripped the public for over six years.

The murder of Daniel Markel, a 41-year-old prominent law professor at Florida State University, occurred in 2014, during a bitter custody battle between Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson. Wendi Adelson, who was involved in the contentious custody battle, has not been charged in connection with the murder.

Prosecutors argued that Donna Adelson orchestrated Markel's killing due to his opposition to the move Wendi Adelson wanted to make, which would have taken the children more than 370 miles from Tallahassee to South Florida. However, a judge ruled against Wendi Adelson moving the children, and Markel refused to relocate.

The murder plot resulted in the hiring of two men, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, to carry out the killing. Garcia is currently serving a life sentence, while Rivera is serving a 19-year sentence.

Katherine Magbanua, Daniel Markel's ex-girlfriend, is also serving a life sentence in connection with the murder. Magbanua's former boyfriend, Charles Adelson, Donna Adelson's son, is also serving a life sentence for his role in the plot.

Upon announcing the verdict, the judge instructed Donna Adelson to control her emotions in front of the jury. Donna Adelson's desired sentence for her conviction is life in prison.

Ruth Markel, Daniel Markel's mother, expressed profound sadness and grief following her son's untimely death. For 11 years, Ruth Markel and her family have been living with unimaginable pain and heartbreak due to her son's death.

Wendi Adelson has denied involvement in the killing and has not been charged. The trial has brought a sense of closure to the Markel family, but the pain and grief remain as they continue to cope with the loss of a beloved family member.