Donna Adelson Trial Delayed As Lawyer Withdraws; See What Happens Next

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Donna Adelson’s trial, which was set to begin Tuesday, has been postponed after her attorney withdrew from the case. She is accused of murdering Florida State law professor Dan Markel in 2014.

Donna is Markel’s former mother-in-law. Donna is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation to commit murder. Adelson has pleaded not guilty.

Below are links to our previous coverage of this case as well as a live blog of court updates.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

LIVE UPDATES:

SEPTEMBER 17. 5:45 p.m.

Adelson’s new lead attorney, Alex Morris, answered questions about the next steps in the case outside the courthouse Tuesday. Watch the unedited video below.

Donna Adelson’s New Chief Legal Counsel Alex Morris Discusses Next Steps

The local criminal lawyer said initial discussions with the state indicated the trial could be postponed to a date between November and February.

Morris said Adelson was upset she couldn’t attend the trial this week.

“It’s been a stressful day for Ms. Adelson, there’s no doubt about that,” Morris said.

He said that because of the conflict, both Donna and Charlie would be better off with the trade.

“The question is whether their positions are at odds with each other and there is absolutely a potential for that to happen and that is the problem,” Morris said.

Morris said he would work hard on the case ahead of a scheduled October 15 hearing.

“I think it’s going to open up opportunities for negotiations,” Morris said. “I think it opens up avenues to explore different avenues of defense that weren’t available before.”

SEPTEMBER 17. 13:18

Attorney Dan Rashbaum will no longer represent Donna Adelson. The move comes after a new attorney for Donna Adelson’s son Charlie Adelson said he would not waive attorney-client privilege with Rashbaum. Watch the video of this development in court by clicking play below.

Attorney Dan Rashbaum to No Longer Represent Donna Adelson

Rashbaum represented Charlie at his 2023 trial that resulted in his conviction for the murder of FSU law professor Dan Markel.

Miami’s attorney said he obtained a waiver from Charlie in December. However, Charlie’s attorney said he would not give up his 6th Amendment rights.

The case management has been set for October 15.

SEPTEMBER 17 10:45

Donna Adelson will retain attorney Dan Rashbaum as an advisor.

Adelson met with Rashbaum’s independent attorney to assess her options regarding her conflict of interest with his defense. She is represented by the same Miami attorney who defended her son Charlie last year. Charlie’s new attorney said he is not waiving his conflict of interest.

The hearing is now in recess and will resume until 1:15 p.m. The jury is expected to be summoned at 2 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 17. 9:30 a.m.

Community reporter Kendall Brandt is at the courthouse where the trial is on recess. She explains why in the video embedded below.

SEPTEMBER 17. 8:45

Jury selection is on hold as Charlie Adelson’s new attorney says he won’t waive a conflict of interest with his former attorney representing his mother, Dan Rashbaum.

The lawyer claims Charlie doesn’t want Rashbaum or Donna’s other lawyer, Alex Morris, to cross-examine him on the stand. His lawyer claims that this violates his right to attorney-client privilege and that Rashbaum’s knowledge compromises any chance of partially cross-examining him.

The hearing is suspended and will resume at 10:30 a.m.