The Killing of Professor Dan Markel: A Family Feud Turns Deadly (Part 1)

In this episode, we delve into the shocking murder of Harvard-educated law professor Dan Markel. His life was cut short in a targeted hit that investigators believe was a murder-for-hire plot.

This is more than just a true crime drama; it's a story of a devoted father and brilliant legal scholar caught in a bitter family feud that spiraled into something unthinkable. Dan's divorce from his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, became an all-out war over the custody of their two young sons and relocation to South Florida.

You'll hear about the powerful and controlling Adelson family, specifically Wendy's parents, Donna and Harvey, and her brother, Charlie, who had an "obsession" with their hatred of Dan. As the story unfolds, you’ll discover disturbing emails from Donna Adelson detailing a plan to manipulate Dan, including using his Jewish faith against him, and even joking about dressing the children in Hitler Youth uniforms.

The police investigation quickly turned to the Adelson family after Wendy made some unusual comments and her boyfriend, Jeff Lacasse, urged them to look into her family. The timing of the murder, which took place just after a hearing on family control was set, was not lost on investigators, who saw a clear motive for murder. After his death, Wendy quickly moved their children to Miami and cut off contact with Dan's parents.

Join us for Part 1 of this unbelievable case as we explore the chilling details that lead to the death of Dan Markel. The second part of this episode is available now on Patreon and will be available everywhere on Thursday.

 

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Sources:

Dan Markel Murder

1. Who Had Dan Markel Killed? January 17, 2018

2. New York Times Wedding Announcement February 26, 2006

3. Adelson flight to Vietnam lets state argue 'consciousness of guilt' in Markel murder, November 15, 2023

4. DAN MARKEL MURDER TRIAL: How we got here

5. Katherine Magbanua sentenced to life in prison July 29, 2022

6. Katherine Magbanua found guilty of all charges in murder of Dan Markel May 30, 2022

7. Suspects in Markel murder case to be tried together June 20, 2018

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