The Matriarch Mastermind: Donna Adelson's Downfall [Current Affairs]

In this episode of Current Affairs, we delve into the final chapter of the Dan Markel murder-for-hire saga, focusing on the recent conviction of Donna Adelson. Discover how the 75-year-old "matriarch mastermind" orchestrated the murder of her former son-in-law, a Florida State University law professor, due to a bitter custody dispute. We'll explore the overwhelming evidence, including financial records, intercepted calls, and damning testimony, that led to her guilty verdict and a mandatory life sentence, closing a decade-long prosecution that has resulted in five convictions in this complex family-driven murder conspiracy. We also include a brief update on the Ana and Brian Walshe case.

Current Affairs is Love Murder’s shorter show about the cases of love gone fatally wrong that are in the news right now.

Sources:

https://people.com/man-awaiting-trial-accusations-he-dismembered-realtor-wife-assaulted-in-jail-11809416

https://www.wcvb.com/article/brian-walshe-stabbing-norfolk-county-jail-dedham-massachusetts/66063609

https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/30/us/donna-adelson-murder-trial-witnesses

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/south-florida-matriarch-convicted-murder-hire-killing-son-125681119

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/06/us/donna-adelson-judge-murder-trial

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Credits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-Hoffman

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