Trial Status and Scheduling

Donna Adelson's trial, originally scheduled for June 3, 2025, has been postponed. The new trial date is set for August, with jury selection scheduled to begin on August 19, 2025. The delay was granted after the defense argued they needed more time to review new evidence, including recently disclosed wiretaps and investigative materials51.

Recent Evidence and Allegations

• Prosecutors recently disclosed new evidence, including wiretaps involving Donna Adelson's husband, Harvey Adelson, and a jailhouse informant. The state alleges that Donna and Harvey discussed possible plots to harm their estranged son, Robert Adelson, as well as Katherine Magbanua (a previous co-defendant) and the mother of a jailhouse informant14.
• Donna Adelson's defense team strongly denies these allegations, claiming the affidavits presented to the judge about these conversations are false and that the state fabricated parts of the alleged plots124.
• The defense also argues that the newly disclosed evidence—over 30 recorded calls—requires significant time to review. They maintain that the previous interviews of key witnesses were conducted by Donna’s former attorneys, who also represented her son, Charlie Adelson, creating a conflict of interest15.

Legal Motions and Hearings

• Donna Adelson’s attorneys have requested to redepose several witnesses, including her estranged son, Robert Adelson, to address the new evidence and clarify the impact of the recent allegations on potential testimony14.
• The defense previously filed a motion to have Judge Stephen Everett recuse himself, citing alleged ex parte communications between the judge and prosecution. This motion was denied, and the appellate court upheld the decision, stating that it is routine for judges to review warrant applications and then preside over the resulting trials124.
• Donna Adelson remains in custody after her bond request was denied, with the court deeming her a flight risk2.

Background and Related Cases

• Donna Adelson is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder in connection with the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, FSU professor Dan Markel. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges15.
• Her son, Charlie Adelson, was previously convicted for his role in orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot15.