Dan Markel Case Update: Complete timeline explored as Charlie Adelson is found guilty in 2014 murder

Delve into the riveting true crime saga of the Dan Markel murder case, as Charlie Adelson is found guilty. Explore the intricate details and legal proceedings that have captivated the nation.

Published on Nov 07, 2023  |  07:00 PM IST |  258.8K
(Image Courtesy: Twitter)
Image Courtesy: Twitter/ Court TV and Law and Crime Network
Key Highlight
  • A Fort Lauderdale dentist, Charlie Adelson, has been found guilty in the infamous Dan Markel murder
  • Murder of Florida State law professor Dan Markel, shot twice in head in 2014, is a huge conspiracy
  • This verdict marks the fourth conviction since Markel's death involving a member of Adelson family

Trigger Warning: This article discusses a real-life murder case, including violent acts and their aftermath. 

A high-stakes drama that has captivated the nation for over a decade reached its culmination in Tallahassee, Florida, as Charlie Adelson, a Fort Lauderdale dentist long suspected in the murder of Florida State law professor Dan Markel, was found guilty, as reported by USA Today. This fascinating case dubbed the 'Dan Markel murder,' is more than just a terrible crime; it is a tangled web of secrets, intrigue, and courtroom disclosures that has caught the public's attention. 

A terrifying event occurred on the morning of July 18, 2014, sending shockwaves across the legal and academic sectors. Dan Markel, a well-known Florida State University law professor recognized for his legal skill, was brutally killed in Tallahassee's tranquil suburbs. Markel's life was cut short when he was shot twice in the head at point-blank range in his garage, leaving a trail of unresolved questions and destroyed lives in its wake. 

ALSO READ: Madeleine McCann case: Latest update and complete timeline of 3-year old's disappearance


In this article, we'll dig into the detailed facts of the Dan Markel murder case, looking at the reasons, suspects, and judicial procedures that have captivated the public for years. We'll also look at the emotions of people and attempt to answer the pressing question: Where is Charlie Adelson now? As we peel back the layers of this riveting true crime drama, it becomes clear that there are still unresolved questions concerning the involvement of other Adelson family members and the actual reasons behind this horrible crime. 

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The Dan Markel murder: A grisly demise 

Dan Markel, a distinguished Florida State University law professor, was shot twice in the head at point-blank range in the garage of his Tallahassee home on July 18, 2014. Markel, who was well-known for his legal expertise, died 14 hours later, leaving behind a bereaved family and a stunned community. 

The murder of Dan Markel immediately became a fascinating case, with multiple twists and turns that piqued the public's and media's interest. The inquiry involves both local law enforcement and the FBI, making it a lengthy and complex procedure. Here are some essential facts about the case: 

1. A bitter child custody battle 

Prosecutors painted Charlie Adelson as a rich and egotistical "playboy" who sought to remove Markel in order to settle a contentious child custody battle with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, who happened to be Markel's sister. Markel's murder was motivated by this intense feud. 

2. Conspirators in the shadows 

The Adelson family had long been suspected of being conspirators in the scheme, but this was the family's first conviction. The defendant's younger sister, Wendi Adelson, and her parents, Donna and Harvey Adelson, have all denied any participation in the murder. 


3. Convictions and witnesses 

There were three more people involved in the murder before Charlie Adelson was convicted. The Latin Kings gang boss, Luis Rivera, drove the getaway car and pled guilty in 2016. He testified against Sigfredo Garcia, the shooter, and Katie Magbanua, Garcia's children's mother, who was dating Adelson at the time of the murder. Garcia was found guilty in 2019 during his combined trial with Magbanua. 

Updates on Charlie Adelson 

According to USA Today, Charlie Adelson alleged throughout the eight-day trial that he was the subject of "double extortion" by the true murders. According to his defense, on the night of the murder, the perpetrators sought money through Magbanua, and a subsequent FBI agent acted as a blackmailer. Adelson and his attorney contended that his damning words on wiretaps and recorded phone calls were about extortion, not murder. The jurors, however, appeared to reject this reasoning. 

1. The verdict 

Adelson's trial, which included accusations of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation, ended with a guilty judgment from a 12-person jury. The guilty verdict is the fourth in the case and the first involving an Adelson family member. 

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2. Charlie Adelson's reaction 

Charlie Adelson leaned forward, laying his head on the defense table, as the decision was read. He remained silent and emotionless. This stern reaction stood in stark contrast to the emotional turbulence that had accompanied the case for years. 

3. Dan Markel's family's perspective 

Markel's parents, Ruth and Phil Markel, as well as his sister, Shelly Markel, were there for much of the trial. Shelly Markel expressed relief when the guilty judgment was announced, stating, "This has been a really long and terrible ordeal for all of us. It's taken a long toll on our lives." 


Where is Charlie Adelson now? 

With the guilty judgment in hand, the subject of Charlie Adelson's whereabouts arises. He is most likely now in detention, awaiting sentencing. Given the seriousness of the allegations, he might spend the rest of his life in prison. 

The murder of Dan Markel has been a decade-long journey full of intrigue, conspiracy, and dramatic turns. With the conviction of Charlie Adelson in this high-profile trial, the legal chapter of this terrible case looks to be closed.

However, unanswered concerns concerning the involvement of other Adelson family members, as well as the exact intentions for the murder, continue to pique the public's attention.

This story serves as a sharp reminder of the intricacies and repercussions of family feuds brought to their logical conclusion. It remains to be seen whether further disclosures in this fascinating real crime story will emerge as the court process progresses. 

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ALSO READ: Black Dahlia Murder: 5 spine-chilling facts and other details about the gruesome case

Know more about the Dan Markel murder case.

What is the Dan Markel murder case, and who is Charlie Adelson?
The Dan Markel murder case revolves around the 2014 murder of Florida State law professor Dan Markel. Charlie Adelson, a Fort Lauderdale dentist, was a key suspect in this high-profile case.

What was the motive behind the murder of Dan Markel?
Prosecutors alleged that the motive behind Markel's murder was a bitter child custody battle between Charlie Adelson and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, who is Dan Markel's sister.

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About The Author

Sakina is a seeker of truth and uncovers hidden perspectives, ensuring her readers are not just informed but

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