Almost eight years after the murder of a well-known law professor, police arrested the victim’s brother-in-law, Charlie Adelson, on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder.
Dan Markel, a Florida State University law professor, was shot in the head in his own driveway. Investigators have long suspected that the killing was a murder-for-hire bankrolled by his in-laws. Markel and his wife, Wendi Adelson, were separated at the time and fighting over custody of their children.
Police previously arrested Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera. Rivera was a state’s witness who testified that he was with Garcia when Markel was killed. Garcia was sentenced to life in prison in October 2019.
Police also previously arrested Katherine Magbanua, who investigators believe was the connection between the Adelson family and the killers. Magbanua will stand trial on May 16, 2022.
Investigators allege the Adelson family paid $100,000 to have Markel killed; their motives allegedly stemmed from a desire to move Wendi and the former couple’s two children to South Florida.
Adelson’s arrest was spurred by new evidence that surfaced from an enhanced recording of a conversation Adelson had with Magbanua, his paramour at the time. FBI agents recorded their conversation at a restaurant in which they allegedly discussed undercover agents speaking to his mother about the killing, as well as details about the chain of information that connected everyone involved in the murder.
While Adelson’s lawyers maintain his innocence, Markel’s friends and family are grateful for the work of the investigators and prosecutors in pursuing every avenue to find justice for Markel’s death.
“Charlie’s arrest is a major milestone, and reflects the tireless work put into this case by law enforcement and prosecutors,” said Karen Cyphers, a spokesperson for Justice for Dan, an advocacy organization created by Markel’s friends.
