Donna Adelson, the matriarch of the South Florida family behind the 2014 murder-for-hire of Dan Markel, is set to be sentenced to life in prison in a Tallahassee courtroom. Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett set her sentencing hearing for 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13.
State Attorney Jack Campbell said she was entitled to a presentence investigation report, which includes detailed background on a defendant, because the Markel murder marked her first felony conviction. However, regardless of what the report says, she faces a sentence no shorter than life in prison.
Here’s a live blog leading up to and during the hearing:
Attorneys for Donna Adelson have filed a series of letters in Leon County Circuit Court urging leniency ahead of her sentencing in her criminal case.
The filings include personal letters and emails from longtime friends, family acquaintances and former colleagues who describe Adelson as kind, compassionate and devoted to her family.
Several writers recount decades-long friendships, her generosity and support during personal hardships, and her reputation for empathy in both personal and professional settings.
Some also criticize media portrayals of Adelson and argue she did not receive a fair trial, urging the court to consider her age, health and positive character traits. The letters were submitted Oct. 12 by attorneys Jackie Fulford and Joshua Zelman.
What will the presentence report show?
The report, which is mandated in state law, is meant to give judges a fuller picture of people being sentenced — not just the crime, but who they are and what might have led to it. They’re usually compiled by a probation officer with the Florida Department of Corrections.
It includes details about the offense, the person’s criminal record, education, work history, finances, health, and family life. The offender can give their own explanation of what happened, and the report notes harm to victims. In some cases, it can also look at whether the person could be safely supervised or helped through community programs or treatment instead of prison.
In this case, however, there’ll be no opportunity for imprisonment shorter than a life sentence.
Why isn’t Donna Adelson facing a death sentence?
Simply put, Donna Adelson is not facing the death penalty because prosecutors decided not to seek it in her case. Instead, she faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for her first-degree murder conviction.
Campbell in fact has not pursued capital punishment against any of the defendants charged and convicted in Markel’s murder. What is known is that a variety of factors go into such decisions, such as the cost of a death penalty case and the finality of a life sentence, criminal defense lawyers say.
Pursuing capital punishment penalty can significantly increase the cost and complexity of a trial. And opting to try a defendant under a mandatory life sentence also provides certainty of punishment, if convicted, without the time and expense associated with a capital trial.
This blog contains previously published material. Jim Rosica can be reached via email at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter/X: @JimRosicaFL.
