Donna Adelson, Accused in Dan Markel Murder, Hires New Defense Team Ahead of Rescheduled Hearing

Jan 11, 12:00 PM

Donna Adelson, who faces charges in connection with the 2014 murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, has taken a significant step in her legal defense by hiring a new team of attorneys. Her choice of legal representation has raised eyebrows, as it includes the attorney who defended her son Charlie Adelson during his trial.
 
 According to documents posted by the Leon County Clerk, Donna Adelson has enlisted the services of Daniel Rashbaum, the attorney who led her son Charlie Adelson's defense, and Tallahassee-based attorney Alex Morris. This move marks a significant development in her legal battle as she faces serious charges of murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the high-profile case.
 
 The substitution of counsel motion filed by Rashbaum and Morris was approved by Circuit Judge Stephen Everett, paving the way for them to replace Donna Adelson's previous attorney, Marissel Descalzo of Miami. This decision comes as the case against Donna Adelson unfolds and enters a critical phase.
 
 A case management hearing, originally scheduled for a recent date, had to be canceled due to severe weather conditions that prompted the closure of all courts in the Second Circuit. A new date for the hearing has not yet been set, but it remains an important event in the legal proceedings.
 
 Donna Adelson's legal team is not only advocating for her but also making a strong statement about her innocence. Attorney Alex Morris emphasized that Donna Adelson is a mother, grandmother, and wife who vehemently denies any involvement in the alleged criminal conspiracy to kill Dan Markel.
 
 Charlie Adelson, her son, was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the murder-for-hire plot. He had been convicted of hiring hitmen to carry out the murder of Dan Markel, who was embroiled in a contentious custody battle with Charlie's sister, Wendi Adelson.
 
 In response to the charges against Donna Adelson, Morris stated, "Donna Adelson had absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Markel’s homicide, and the evidence demonstrates this. The State’s efforts to prosecute Mrs. Adelson are not supported by the evidence. We look forward to getting this matter to trial as quickly as possible in the coming months."
 
 The case management hearing that was canceled due to adverse weather conditions has been rescheduled for January 30. Donna Adelson's legal team is determined to pursue her defense vigorously and work towards clearing her name in the ongoing legal battle.
 
 Donna Adelson is the latest individual to face charges related to Dan Markel's murder, with four others, including her son Charlie, already convicted and sentenced to prison. The case continues to garner significant attention as it unfolds in the courtroom, with legal proceedings expected to intensify in the coming months.
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