The Case Against Donna Adelson

Vinnie Politan Investigates Podcast

In this riveting episode of "Closing Arguments with Vinnie Politan," we delve into the shocking and complex case against Donna Adelson, a mother accused of conspiring with her son, Charlie Adelson, in an alleged plot to arrange the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. The beloved Florida State University law professor had found himself entangled in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, who is Donna's daughter and Charlie's sister.

In divorce documents, Markel explains why Donna Adelson "hated" him, which Vinnie Politan says could be evidence of possible motives in Donna's trial. Dan Markel's mother, Ruth Markel, joins Court TV to give more insight into the death of her son and what was going on during the heat of her son's bitter divorce. Ruth details her experience in her book, "The Unveiling: A Mother's Reflection on Murder, Grief and Trial Life." She says her son "Danny" was blindsided in the summer of 2012 when Wendi first started dropping clues about wanting to separate, divorce, and eventually take his children away without equal custody.

Other expert guests in this episode include renowned trauma psychotherapist Dr. Janie Lacy, Philadelphia Family Law Attorney with expertise in representing parties in divorce, custody, and alimony matters, Jennifer Brandt, and Former Prosecutor and Defense Attorney (both civilian and military) Carl Steinbeck.

00:05:41:27 The Motive

00:08:41:25 Ruth Markel Interview

00:22:53:20 The Bitter Custody Battle

00:34:45:15 The Adelson Family Dynamics

00:37:15:29 Charlie Adelson and “The Hit”

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Every story, every trial, every case has at least two sides. "Vinnie Politan Investigates" looks at all sides of the cases making true crime headlines. This new investigative true-crime podcast, led by Court TV's seasoned host and former prosecutor, Vinnie Politan, features the best moments from the show Closing Arguments. The podcast takes listeners on a gripping journey from the crime scene to the courtroom. Vinnie and his insightful guests provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the crime, the suspects, and the victims.