Who Killed Dan Markel? What Happened to Dan Markel?
by Sangamithra
Updated Nov 20, 2023
Who Killed Dan Markel?
Dan Markel, a Florida State University law professor, was murdered in 2014, and the recent conviction of Charles Adelson sheds light on the case. Adelson, Markel's former brother-in-law, was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation of murder. The jury concluded that Adelson arranged and paid hitmen to kill Markel, allegedly motivated by a custody dispute between Markel and his ex-wife.
According to prosecutors, Adelson orchestrated the murder to help his sister, Wendi Adelson, relocate with her two children after a judge denied her petition following the divorce. Two men, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, were implicated in carrying out the crime. Rivera testified that Adelson paid them to drive from Miami to Tallahassee and kill Markel.
Adelson's girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, played a role in facilitating the murder. She was previously convicted and testified against Adelson. The defense argued that Adelson was a victim of extortion by Markel's killers, claiming they threatened him if he didn't pay.
The case involved a complex web of relationships and motives, making it a high-profile murder mystery that took nearly a decade to unravel. While Adelson has been convicted, questions linger about the involvement of other family members. The murder-for-hire plot has captivated public attention, turning a tragic event into a legal saga with multiple twists and turns.
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Who was Dan Markel?
Daniel Eric Markel, born on October 9, 1972, in Montreal, Canada, was a law professor and author known for his work on retribution in criminal law and sentencing. He earned his B.A. and J.D. degrees from Harvard University in 2001. Markel began his career as a law clerk and later joined the faculty of Florida State University in 2005.
Tragically, Markel was murdered in Tallahassee, Florida, on July 19, 2014, at the age of 41, from a gunshot wound. The motive behind the murder was linked to child custody issues arising from Markel's divorce from his spouse, Wendi Adelson, also a law professor at Florida State University. Wendi Adelson, along with her brother Charlie and mother Donna, has been named as "conspirators" in the murder, although she has not been charged.
The case resulted in the convictions of four individuals: Luis Rivera, who pleaded guilty to murder; Sigfredo Garcia, found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy; Katherine Magbanua, found guilty of various charges in a retrial; and Charlie Adelson, convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation, awaiting sentencing.
Donna Adelson, Markel's former mother-in-law, was arrested on charges related to the murder. The complex case unfolded with twists and turns, revealing a tragic story of legal disputes turned deadly.
Full Name
Daniel Eric Markel
Birth Date
October 9, 1972
Birth Place
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Death Date
July 19, 2014
Death Place
Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.
Age at Death
41 years
Cause of Death
Gunshot wound
Alma Mater
Harvard University (B.A., J.D.)
Occupation
Law Professor, Author
Spouse
Wendi Jill Adelson (2006-2013)
Children
2
Dan Markel Career
Daniel Eric Markel had a diverse and accomplished career in law before his tragic death. Before becoming a law professor, he worked as a law clerk for Judge Michael Daly Hawkins at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He also served as an associate at the law firm Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel in Washington, D.C., specializing in white-collar criminal defense.
In 2005, Markel joined the faculty of the Florida State University College of Law, where he later earned tenure in 2010. Holding the prestigious position of D'Alemberte Professor of Law, Markel co-authored a book titled "Privilege or Punish Criminal Justice and the Challenge of Family Ties" in 2009, exploring the relationship between crime, punishment, and family dynamics.
Markel was also known for co-founding the legal blog PrawfsBlawg and contributed to various law review articles on topics ranging from the death penalty to punitive damages. Additionally, he had an interest in sports law and proposed methods for involving fans in the management of sports teams.
Markel's expertise extended to consulting on a federal prosecution case in New Jersey involving allegations of extortion against rabbis by the FBI. His career showcased a commitment to legal scholarship, advocacy, and a wide range of legal interests.
Dan Markel Age
Dan Markel was born on October 9, 1972, making him 41 years old at the time of his tragic death on July 19, 2014. A Canadian-born attorney and law professor, Markel's life was cut short in Tallahassee, Florida, due to a gunshot wound.
Throughout his 41 years, Markel made significant contributions to the legal field, including co-authoring a book, founding a blog for law professors, and engaging in legal commentary for various publications. His untimely death marked the end of a promising career and left a lasting impact on the legal community.
Dan Markel’s Murder Case
In July 2014, the prominent law professor Dan Markel was tragically murdered at his Tallahassee, Florida home. The police declared it a murder-for-hire case with Markel as the intended victim. The investigation revealed delays in the emergency response due to a dispatcher error. Markel, a well-regarded professor, was mourned by the academic community, and a memorial service was held in his honor.
The case saw several developments in 2016 when two suspects, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, were arrested. They were believed to have traveled from Miami to commit the crime. Investigations pointed to a contract killing orchestrated by Charlie Adelson and Donna Adelson, the brother and mother of Markel's ex-wife, Wendi Adelson. The motive allegedly stemmed from a custody dispute.
In 2019, Garcia was found guilty, while Magbanua faced a mistrial. In 2022, Charlie Adelson was arrested, and Wendi and Donna Adelson were named as co-conspirators. The Markel Act, a bill facilitating grandparent visitation rights, was introduced following the 2016 arrests.
In 2023, Charlie Adelson was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Donna Adelson was arrested on charges related to the murder. The case unfolded with intricate details, exposing a complex web of relationships and motives behind Markel's untimely death. The legal saga surrounding the murder has captivated public attention, shedding light on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the aftermath of a high-profile tragedy.
What Happened to Dan Markel?
Dan Markel, a respected law professor, was fatally shot at his Tallahassee, Florida home on July 18, 2014, and died the next day. The murder was later revealed to be a hired killing linked to a custody dispute. Investigations led to arrests, including Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera.
Charlie Adelson and Donna Adelson, Markel's ex-wife's brother and mother, were implicated. The case unfolded with trials, convictions, and ongoing developments, exposing a complex web of relationships and motives.
Who Killed Dan Markel - FAQs
Charles Adelson, the former brother-in-law, was convicted of orchestrating the murder in a custody dispute.
Dan Markel was a law professor at Florida State University, known for his expertise in criminal law.
Adelson allegedly paid hitmen, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera, to drive from Miami and kill Markel in Tallahassee.
Adelson's girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, played a role, and Markel's ex-wife's family members were implicated but not charged.
The motive was linked to a custody dispute between Markel and his ex-wife, with Adelson allegedly seeking to help her relocate.