The Killing of Professor Dan Markel: A Family Feud Turns Deadly (Part 1)

In this episode, we delve into the shocking murder of Harvard-educated law professor Dan Markel. His life was cut short in a targeted hit that investigators believe was a murder-for-hire plot. This is more than just a true crime drama; it's a story of a devoted father and brilliant legal scholar caught in a bitter family feud that spiraled into something unthinkable. Dan's divorce from his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, became an all-out war over the custody of their two young sons and relocation to South Florida. You'll hear about the powerful and controlling Adelson family, specifically Wendy's parents, Donna and Harvey, and her brother, Charlie, who had an "obsession" with their hatred of Dan. As the story unfolds, you’ll discover disturbing emails from Donna Adelson detailing a plan to manipulate Dan, including using his Jewish faith against him, and even joking about dressing the children in Hitler Youth uniforms. The police investigation quickly turned to the Adelson family after Wendy made some unusual comments and her boyfriend, Jeff Lacasse, urged them to look into her family. The timing of the murder, which took place just after a hearing on family control was set, was not lost on investigators, who saw a clear motive for murder. After his death, Wendy quickly moved their children to Miami and cut off contact with Dan's parents. Join us for Part 1 of this unbelievable case as we explore the chilling details that lead to the death of Dan Markel. The second part of this episode is available now on Patreon and will be available everywhere on Thursday. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Keep it classic and cozy this fall cool—with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to Quince.com/moms for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. See thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair with less shedding in just 3-6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code MOMS. Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast. To advertise on the show, contact [e-mail] or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/MomsandMysteriesATrueCrimePodcast. Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: Dan Markel Murder Who Had Dan Markel Killed? January 17, 2018 New York Times Wedding Announcement February 26, 2006 Adelson flight to Vietnam lets state argue 'consciousness of guilt' in Markel murder, November 15, 2023 DAN MARKEL MURDER TRIAL: How we got here Katherine Magbanua sentenced to life in prison July 29, 2022 Katherine Magbanua found guilty of all charges in murder of Dan Markel May 30, 2022 Suspects in Markel murder case to be tried together June 20, 2018 Sigfredo Garcia found guilty, mistrial declared for Katherine Magbanua in Dan Markel's murder Charlie Adelson arrested on murder charges in connection to Dan Markel murder April 21, 2022 Sigfredo Garcia gets life in prison for murder of Dan Markel Sept. 20, 2019 Dan Markel case: Family says justice 'partially served' with murder verdict and mistrial Oct 11, 2019 Florida dentist guilty of hiring hitman to kill brother-in-law Daniel Markel after custody fight with relative Nov 6, 2023 Charlie Adelson sentenced to life in murder for hire plot | CNN Dec 12, 2023 Katherine Magbanua, previously convicted, testifies on Day 3 of Charlie Adelson trial Oct. 30, 2023 Sigfredo Garcia Probable Cause Affidavit Charlie Adelson Appeal Markel, Adelson sparred up to the end ‘Chilling’ conversation takes center stage as Wendi’s ex testifies in Donna Adelson murder trial (Jeff, June, testimonies) Dysfunctional family reunion: Kids against mom in Donna Adelson trial | Analysis (Rob and Wendi’s testimonies) Donna Adelson arrested in Dan Markel murder after booking one-way plane tickets to Vietnam Friends recall Dan Markel https://www.justicefordan.com/post/remembering-danny-on-his-50th-birthday A law professor was stalked and killed by hit men. His former mother-in-law is now on trial for the 2014 contract killing | CNN Wendi Adelson says Donna Adelson 'micromanaged my life' | Court TV Charlie Adelson trashes ‘inbred’ jurors in jail calls to his mom | Court TV FL v. Adelson: Dentist Mastermind Murder Trial | Court TV https://www.stevenbepstein.com/wendi-adelson-interview https://edca.1dca.org/DcaDocs/2019/4005/2019-4005_Brief_1043927_RC12202D20Transcript20Received.pdf How Police Tracked Down and Caught 2 Suspected Hit Men in FSU Professor Murder Case https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/bump-operation-led-to-phone-calls-restaurant-meeting-jurors-told-in-trial-for-murder-of-law-prof-markel Phone call recordings and video evidence played in courtroom to wrap day 7 of Donna Adelson trial Motives, codewords, wiretaps, and ...