MIAMI, FL – A 73-year-old grandmother was apprehended by authorities in Miami, Florida, in relation to an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting her former son-in-law. The arrest, captured on video, took place at Miami International Airport in November as the woman and her spouse were preparing to depart on a one-way flight to Vietnam.
The footage reveals law enforcement officers escorting Donna Adelson through the airport and into a police vehicle. Adelson expressed surprise at her arrest, stating she was unaware of any outstanding warrant for her arrest.
Adelson faces charges of first-degree murder and solicitation of murder. Authorities allege that she, along with her son and several accomplices, plotted to murder her former son-in-law, Daniel Markel. Markel, a law professor at Florida State University, was killed in his driveway in 2014.
At the time of his death, Markel was embroiled in a legal dispute with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, Donna’s daughter. Wendi Adelson wanted to relocate her two sons to South Florida to be closer to her family, a move Markel opposed. Prosecutors argue that the Adelson family sought to eliminate Markel as a result of this disagreement.
Prosecutors maintain that Donna Adelson played a significant role in the murder plot. Her son, Charlie, has already been convicted of first-degree murder and is currently serving a life sentence.
In a jailhouse call with Charlie a week before her attempted departure from the country, Donna Adelson discussed potential destinations without extradition agreements. Prosecutors argue that this conversation indicates her intention to flee the country, a claim that could be used against her in court.
Adelson’s defense attorney insists on her innocence and stated they “look forward to proving it at trial.” Adelson is due in court on Monday.