Episodios

  • Closing Arguments. Defense argues Donna was a Meddler not a Murderer. | Case Brief

    Closing Arguments. Defense argues Donna was a Meddler not a Murderer. | Case Brief
    Sep 5 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/g2fHOyCMKMc Day 9 of the Donna Adelson trial happened on September 4, 2025 and was packed with high-stakes closing arguments! The defense's surprising request to remove lesser included charges, leaving the jury with a direct choice on first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Experience the prosecution's compelling narrative, focusing on Dan Markel's life, Donna Adelson's detailed planning, and the evidence connecting her to the murder plot. Hear how the defense challenged the state's case, arguing no direct evidence before the crime and questioning witness credibility. Emily discuss the intense courtroom exchanges, key legal arguments, and what's next as the world awaits a verdict in this highly anticipated case. RESOURCES Donna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 m
  • The Defense Rests. Donna decides after a long day in court. | Case Brief

    The Defense Rests. Donna decides after a long day in court. | Case Brief
    Sep 4 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on ⁨The Emily D Baker⁩ YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/R1zhYkOKL1U Day 8 of the Donna Adelson trial happened on September 3, 2025 and the main question was whether Donna Adelson would testify? Ultimately, she did not, after attempting to get more time from the court to make her decision. The defense rested their case, and the prosecution will not be bringing a rebuttal. Closing arguments are scheduled for tomorrow morning, September 4, 2025.A significant portion of the day was spent discussing a second violation of the witness sequestration order by the defense. The judge expressed frustration that her instructions were not being followed, as a defense expert witness was present in the courtroom during another witness's testimony. Despite the prosecution's request for exclusion, the judge reserved her ruling, noting that exclusion is an extreme remedy and could create appellate issues if Donna Adelson is convicted. The defense called two witnesses: Kristin Adamson, Wendi's Previous Family Law Attorney and Linda Bailey, a Family Law Attorney Expert, to discuss the Markel divorce case. Their aim seemed to be to downplay the contentious nature of the divorce, arguing it was a "normal" case and not as emotionally charged as the prosecution portrayed. However, the prosecution's cross-examination highlighted that even routine legal matters can be highly impactful and emotionally charged for the litigants involved, echoing Donna Adelson's own emails about the divorce being critical. With the defense and prosecution both resting, the court moved to the charging conference to finalize jury instructions for charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. The trial saw 27 witnesses for the prosecution and 12 for the defense over eight days. The upcoming closing arguments are expected to be lengthy, and deliberations could begin tomorrow. Donna Adelson's decision not to testify was likely strategic, as her testimony could have potentially hurt her case. The argument that she needed more time to decide on testifying is dismissed as unlikely to succeed on appeal, given the extensive time and continuances already provided to the defense. RESOURCES Donna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 m
  • Donna's Best Friend Caught In A Lie? Defense Case Begins & Judge is "Not Happy" | Case Brief

    Donna's Best Friend Caught In A Lie? Defense Case Begins & Judge is "Not Happy" | Case Brief
    Sep 3 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on ⁨The Emily D Baker⁩ YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/gcNGmZoS-7w Day 7 of the Donna Adelson trial happened on September 2, 2025 and began the Defense's case-in-chief. The Defense faced immediate challenges with witness scheduling, leading to an early dismissal and the judge expressing strong displeasure about the lack of preparedness and adherence to the court's timeline. The Defense introduced a tech expert, Kelsey Guay, to refute the prosecution's analysis of phone records. The expert aimed to demonstrate that the prosecution's method of counting calls between Donna and Charlie Adelson inflated the actual number of unique call events due to duplication. The Defense also argued that Donna's phone did not connect to a cell tower near Charlie's home on the day of the murder, attempting to mitigate the significance of her "I'm outside" text. Anne Cunningham & Ron Gutterson, friends of the Adelson's, took the stand to testify about Donna's distressed state after the murder. The Defense also questioned investigators, Tehronna Khan & Eddie Varnes, who interviewed jailhouse informants, particularly Patricia Byrd, to challenge any claims of Donna offering inducements for testimony. A point of contention arose regarding WhatsApp voice calls in 2014, as Anne claimed to have used it for calls with Donna, but it was noted that WhatsApp did not offer voice calls until 2015, suggesting the calls must have been via Viber. Will Donna Adelson testify? That remains the big question as the defense moves into Day 8. RESOURCES Donna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    23 m
  • Donna Confessed? Donna's "Jail Daughter" wasn't following the 'script' | Case Brief

    Donna Confessed? Donna's "Jail Daughter" wasn't following the 'script' | Case Brief
    Aug 30 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Biij9nLHQjc Day 6 of the Donna Adelson trial happened on August 29, 2025 and we heard the infamous recorded jail call where Charlie was disconnected, and Donna continued talking to people in the house with an open line. Her exchanges with Wendi about getting her affairs in order and taking a one-way flight, expressing concern about not being able to leave in time, were very revealing. This seemed to be a clarified version of the call, with a transcript provided. Following this, Donna was arrested at the airport. After Agent Sanford was excused and the jury left for lunch, the court took the unusual step of swearing in Donna Adelson. This happened after an off-the-record sidebar discussion. The court asked if she was on board with the defense's strategy for cross-examining two witnesses: the jailhouse informants. Donna, under oath, confirmed her agreement with the defense's cross-examination strategy and its impact on her rights. The court's unusual requirement for a sworn statement on defense strategy, typically seen only when a defendant testifies or not, highlights potential concern for protecting the record. Today was packed full of testimony that is potentially devastating to the defense. Following the lunch break, testimony was heard from two jailhouse informants. One of the informants, Patricia Byrd, revealed that Donna admitted to her that she committed the crime in order to “keep her grandkids, but it wasn’t supposed to go that far”. Drina Bernhardt, another informant, revealed that Donna provided an alleged script that she was instructed to redo in her own handwriting. The day ended with the state resting their case, Donna’s defense will present their case beginning on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. RESOURCES Donna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 m
  • Donna makes a critical call. Charlie won't stop talking on the wiretaps. | Case Briefs

    Donna makes a critical call. Charlie won't stop talking on the wiretaps. | Case Briefs
    Aug 29 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eCpmhdqfwDs Day 5 of the Donna Adelson trial happened on August 28, 2025 and focused heavily on the critical wiretap evidence presented by the prosecution. We explore the intricate web of phone calls between Donna, Charlie Adelson, Katie Magbanua, and Sigfredo Garcia, highlighting how these conversations reveal attempts to cover up information and Charlie's escalating panic. These recordings are presented as critical evidence by the prosecution to establish conspiracy and cover-up attempts. The analysis highlights the "game of telephone" played by the co-conspirators as they relay information and react to developments. Charlie's increased panicked state as the investigation progresses. He is heard trying to control the situation, denying knowledge of a "family problem" to an undercover agent, and attempting to convince others not to talk to authorities. His calls reveal his belief that law enforcement wouldn't have sufficient evidence, despite being on a wiretapped line.Donna claimed to the under cover agent, that her grandchildren using her phone and her openly discussing the situation with friends, are presented as attempts to deflect responsibility. The prosecution views her actions, including her repeated urging for Charlie to "handle it," as evidence of her involvement in the conspiracy. The prosecution's approach of likening the case to "train cars that didn't move" and emphasizing the rapid, back-and-forth communication among the conspirators is noted. The trial is nearing the end of the prosecution's case, with a highly anticipated "clarified audio of the jail call" (where Donna discusses a one-way flight to a non-extradition country) still to be presented. RESOURCES Donna Adelson Probable Cause Affidavit - https://youtu.be/mom6YlxRERo Donna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    27 m
  • Donna & Charlie Adelson's Calls After The Bump - Charlie Wants Answers! | Case Brief

    Donna & Charlie Adelson's Calls After The Bump - Charlie Wants Answers! | Case Brief
    Aug 28 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on ⁨@TheEmilyDBaker⁩ YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/cNmSUQKYPXc Day 4 of the Donna Adelson Murder Trial happened on August 27, 2025 and delivered bombshells! Learn how law enforcement orchestrated a direct encounter with Donna Adelson, delivering a chilling message that "tickled the wire" and set off a chain of incriminating phone calls. Hear the direct calls between Donna and Charlie Adelson after the shocking "Bump" operation. What did they say, and how did they try to communicate in code? We analyze Wendi's actions on the day of Dan Markel's murder, including her route, her failure to check on her children or call 911 after encountering the crime scene, and her calls to Donna. Was she more involved than she let on? Join us as we dissect the technical evidence, location data, and the astonishing phone conversations that paint a clear picture of the alleged conspiracy. The prosecution is pulling no punches, and the Adelson family's frantic attempts to cover their tracks are laid bare. RESOURCES Donna's Jail Call to Charlie - https://youtu.be/6M34oXfzGpMDonna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 m
  • Donna paying Katie, for what? Did Wendi try to Frame Her Ex Jeff? | Case Brief

    Donna paying Katie, for what? Did Wendi try to Frame Her Ex Jeff? | Case Brief
    Aug 27 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/R-azhk5Mhdg Day 3 of the Donna Adelson Murder Trial happened on August 26, 2025. It brought a torrent of shocking testimony and critical connections! Jeff Lacasse, Wendi's ex-boyfriend, reveals suspicious questions from Wendi about his travel plans that eerily coincided with the hitmen's movements. Was Wendi trying to frame him? How did a flat tire save him from being a suspect? Jeff also explains the timing of Wendi's broken TV and the impact mark suggested human intervention and raises new questions about the Adelson family's involvement. Charlie's ex-girlfriend and convicted co-conspirator, Katherine "Katie" Magbanua, takes the stand! Learn when Charlie first approached her about "harming someone" and her bizarre discovery about the "wet money" received for the hit. Uncover the details about Katie's suspicious "payroll" checks from the Adelson Institute signed by Donna and the forensic accountant's testimony about Wendi's hidden half-million dollar bank account, contradicting her previous statements. This trial is moving fast with densely packed testimony, revealing layer after layer of a complex and disturbing conspiracy. Don't miss this breakdown of the most significant moments from Day 3 of the Donna Adelson trial! RESOURCES Day 2 of the Trial - https://youtu.be/ZvzkwAMex3I Donna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 m
  • Donna Adelson's Emails EXPOSED! Wendi Doesn't Recall? Rob Adelson & The FBI | Case Brief

    Donna Adelson's Emails EXPOSED! Wendi Doesn't Recall? Rob Adelson & The FBI | Case Brief
    Aug 27 2025
    Watch the full coverage of the live stream on The Emily D. Baker YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZvzkwAMex3I Day 2 of the Donna Adelson murder trial happened on August 25, 2025. I break down the key testimonies of Donna Adelson's children- Wendi & Rob Adelson, and examine crucial evidence presented in court. We delve into the "Grandma Motion" (Exhibit JJ) and its significance in the context of the contentious divorce between Wendi Adelson and the victim, Dan Markel. Discover how the prosecution used this exhibit to build their case regarding Donna's motive due to taking her "sunshines" away. Explore the revealing Adelson family emails and communications that shed light on Donna's intense involvement in the divorce proceedings, her manipulative strategies, and her relentless pursuit of Wendi's relocation to South Florida. Gain insight into Wendi Adelson's testimony, her frequent use of "I don't recall," and the cross-examination that challenged her credibility. Understand her perspective on feeling like an "actor in someone else's show" and her desire to "save face" with her family. Hear Rob Adelson's powerful testimony about Donna's "overinvolved and controlling" nature and his crucial interactions with her after Dan Markel's murder and the subsequent arrests. Learn about Donna's advice to him not to speak with law enforcement and her lack of curiosity about who killed Dan Markel. Finally, we touch upon the "interesting" behavior of a red Honda Odyssey observed at the crime scene and its potential significance. Day 2 of the Donna Adelson trial paints a vivid picture of a highly dysfunctional family dynamic and presents a compelling narrative of motive and involvement. RESOURCES Donna Adelson Road So Far - https://youtu.be/rlN7cBdTikw Donna Adelson Trial Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsbUyvZas7gL0_OPy2AliqyEjGcI8QzBu Donna Adelson Trial Daily Case Briefs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdNnRZUqH62ToyQCgLbRavztmRy0ohXN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 m