Donna Adelson is a Florida woman charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in connection with the 2014 murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. Born in 1950, she is 75 years old in 2025. Adelson, who once worked as a bookkeeper at her family’s successful cosmetic dentistry practice, stands accused of orchestrating the plot amid her daughter Wendi Adelson’s bitter custody battle with Markel.
She was arrested in November 2023 at Miami International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Vietnam and has pleaded not guilty. Her trial, which has received widespread media coverage, began jury selection on August 19, 2025. Married to retired dentist Harvey Adelson, she has three children: Wendi, Charlie, and Robert. Her net worth is estimated at $1–$2 million.
Donna Adelson Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Donna Sue Adelson |
| Date of Birth | 1950 (exact date unavailable) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 75 years |
| Profession | Former Bookkeeper |
| Hometown | Coral Springs, Florida, USA |
| Current Residence | Leon County Jail, Tallahassee, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life
Donna Adelson was born in 1950 in Florida and grew up in a middle-class household. Specific details about her parents and early education remain scarce. She married Harvey Adelson in the 1970s, and together they built both a family and a thriving dental practice.
In 1986, she appeared on Wheel of Fortune, describing herself as a “domestic coordinator,” managing her husband’s practice, her children’s activities, and even the family dog. Friends recall her as a devoted mother focused on keeping her family close.
Her private life turned into public scrutiny after her arrest in 2023, which brought national attention to her alleged role in the Dan Markel murder case.
Family Details
| Relationship Status | Married to Harvey Adelson |
| Children | Wendi Adelson, Charlie Adelson, Robert Adelson |
| Parents | Names undisclosed |
Donna and Harvey Adelson raised three children. Wendi became a law professor, Charlie a periodontist later convicted for his role in the murder plot, and Robert a physician who became estranged from the family. Prosecutors argue Donna’s devotion to her daughter Wendi and grandchildren drove her to orchestrate Dan Markel’s murder after a judge denied Wendi’s request to relocate to Miami.
Although Harvey was present when Donna was arrested at the Miami airport in 2023, he has not been charged.
Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
| 1986 | Appeared on Wheel of Fortune as a “domestic coordinator” |
| 1980s–2010s | Worked as bookkeeper for Adelson Institute |
| 2013 | Allegedly became involved in planning Dan Markel’s murder |
| 2023 | Arrested at Miami International Airport for murder charges |
| 2025 | Jury selection for her trial began on August 19 |
Donna Adelson worked for decades as a bookkeeper at the Adelson Institute for Aesthetics and Implant Dentistry, her husband’s South Florida practice. She was also known for her active role in her children’s lives.
Her life dramatically shifted in 2013–2014, when prosecutors allege she helped organize the murder-for-hire plot against Dan Markel, signing checks to intermediary Katherine Magbanua. In November 2023, she was arrested just before boarding a flight to Vietnam.
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–$2 million (2025) |
| Income Sources | Bookkeeping, family dental practice profits |
Donna Adelson’s estimated net worth comes from her bookkeeping role and family dental practice profits. The Adelsons owned a five-bedroom Coral Springs home and had significant financial resources, which prosecutors say enabled her to attempt international flight. Much of her fortune has since been tied to legal battles.
Controversies
- Dan Markel Murder-for-Hire Case (2014–2025): Donna is accused of masterminding the murder of her son-in-law during her daughter’s custody dispute. Evidence includes signed checks and FBI undercover recordings. She has denied involvement.
- Attempted Flight to Vietnam (2023): Arrested at Miami airport with a one-way ticket to Vietnam, a non-extradition country, days after her son’s conviction. Prosecutors say this showed guilt.
- Jailhouse Calls (2023): Conversations with Charlie Adelson revealed talk of suicide and fleeing. These calls were cited in her arrest affidavit.
- Jail Conditions (2023–2025): Complaints of mistreatment in custody, including being denied showers and threatened by inmates. Courts denied her request for house arrest.
- Change of Venue Motions (2025): Her defense argued that heavy media coverage made a fair trial impossible in Leon County.
- Plea Deal Rumors (2025): Reports circulated that she could receive time served if she implicated Wendi Adelson, but her lawyers denied any such deal.
(Source)
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