DiscoverThe Trial Of Donna Adelson | The Murder Of Dan Markel
The Trial Of Donna Adelson | The Murder Of Dan Markel
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The Trial Of Donna Adelson | The Murder Of Dan Markel

Author: Hidden Killers Podcast

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Uncover the shocking details behind the 2014 murder of Florida law professor Dan Markel in this gripping true crime podcast. "The Trial of Donna Adelson, The Murder of Dan Markel" investigates the Adelson family’s deep entanglement in a crime that shook Tallahassee and the legal world.



At the center of this case is Donna Adelson, now facing charges for her alleged role in orchestrating Markel’s murder, alongside her son, Charlie Adelson, the convicted mastermind serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. The podcast delves into the family’s motives, including a bitter custody battle and financial disputes, while exploring Harvey Adelson’s suspected but uncharged involvement.



With exclusive insights into cell phone records, financial transactions, and witness testimonies, this podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of the prosecution’s case, the legal proceedings, and the dark dynamics of a family torn apart by crime. If you're fascinated by true crime, courtroom drama, and real-life betrayals, this series is a must-listen.



🎧 Subscribe now to uncover the truth behind one of Florida’s most infamous murder-for-hire cases!




173 Episodes
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Donna Adelson Trial: Handwriting Analyst Kate Butler Identifies “The Script” as Donna’s In this gripping installment of the Donna Adelson Trial, forensic document examiner Kate Butler, a senior crime laboratory analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), takes center stage—bringing exceptional expertise to the stand as she compares handwriting samples connected to the case. Her match? She identified the handwriting in the infamous “script” and a day planner as belonging to Donna Adelson with the highest level of confidence. This isn’t just a technicality—this finding strikes at the core of the prosecution’s argument and has major implications for how the jury perceives Donna’s actions and intentions behind the scenes. In this raw courtroom clip, viewers will hear Kate Butler describe her methodology, show how handwriting idiosyncrasies line up, and explain why her analysis matters: What was compared and why it’s relevant: The “Day Planner,” where Dan Markel’s car info was noted, and “The Script,” allegedly written by Donna for an inmate to recite, were both compared to known samples of Donna’s handwriting. Why this matters: For the prosecution, Butler’s confident identification strengthens their case that Donna may have been orchestrating the narrative—even in jail. For the defense, this might be a point of heavy cross-examination, perhaps highlighting margin for error or context of what was written and why. Viewer takeaway: A rare, behind-the-scenes look at the forensic scrutiny behind the handwritten evidence—an essential piece of the puzzle in this true-crime courtroom drama. Turn on captions, take notes, and watch closely—because handwriting isn’t just about pen and paper. It's about intent, influence, and showing the jury how much—or how little—control Donna had over the story being presented in court.  #DonnaAdelsonTrial #HandwritingAnalysis #KateButler #TrueCrime #CourtroomEvidence #ForensicDocumentExaminer #DanMarkelCase #MurderForHire #TrialCoverage #JusticeForDan Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Donna Adelson Trial: Friend Testifies Donna Was “Hysterical” After Dan Markel’s Murder In the Trial of Donna Adelson, the defense called their very first witness to the stand: longtime family friend Anne Elizabeth Cunningham. With roots tracing back to her friendship with Donna and Harvey Adelson since 2009, Cunningham painted a picture of Donna not as a criminal mastermind, but as a distraught mother and grandmother in shock after Dan Markel’s murder. Cunningham testified that Donna was “quite hysterical” in the aftermath of Markel’s killing. Her words aimed to humanize Donna, showing her in a state of emotional unraveling rather than cold calculation. For jurors, this testimony matters because it’s the first real glimpse into how the defense plans to counter the prosecution’s theory that Donna orchestrated the murder-for-hire plot. By emphasizing Donna’s grief and confusion, the defense is trying to suggest she was blindsided by the events just like everyone else. But there’s more here than just emotion. Every word is carefully chosen to influence perception. Cunningham’s testimony isn’t just about character—it’s about planting seeds of doubt in jurors’ minds. Was Donna truly the matriarch pulling strings, or was she just another family member swept up in tragedy? This clip captures Cunningham’s full testimony, a pivotal moment marking the official start of the defense case in one of Florida’s most closely watched trials. #DonnaAdelsonTrial #DanMarkel #TrueCrime #CourtroomTestimony #MurderForHire #AdelsonFamily #DefenseWitness #TrialCoverage #JusticeForDan #LegalDrama Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Donna Adelson’s Family Turns: Inside the Explosive Testimony from Her Own Children In this gripping breakdown, we dive into the raw courtroom moments that could define the fate of Donna Adelson—testimony not from prosecutors or hired experts, but from her own children. Defense Attorney and Former Prosecutor Eric Faddis joins Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski to dissect the emotionally charged statements from Robert and Wendy Adelson, revealing a family dynamic that’s anything but united. Robert came across as blunt, clinical, and disturbingly honest about his mother’s controlling nature, while Wendy played the “I don’t remember” card with an Olympic level of consistency. What does it mean when your own children don’t defend you—or worse, distance themselves entirely? Eric breaks down how jurors digest this kind of testimony, and whether these cracks in the family’s public image translate into hard evidence in court. Is it character assassination… or a clear window into Donna’s true influence? This episode pulls apart the psychology, strategy, and possible consequences of this damaging testimony—and what it could mean as the trial heads into even darker territory. Hashtags: #DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #TrueCrime #MurderTrial #EricFaddis #TonyBrueski #CourtroomDrama #AdelsonFamily #HiddenKillers #WendyAdelson Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Jurors in Donna Adelson’s murder-for-hire trial are getting a front-row seat to some of the most damning evidence yet: her own words caught on FBI wiretaps, and the undercover operation known as the “bump” that rattled her family to the core. In this episode, we break down both. First, the wiretaps. Donna Adelson is heard talking about buying cemetery plots, worrying that her son Charlie is “on trial for his life,” and even discussing non-extradition countries as escape options. At one point, she doesn’t hang up after Charlie leaves the line, and the recorder captures her muttering—raw, unguarded, and deeply revealing. Prosecutors say it’s not just idle talk; it’s proof of a consciousness of guilt. Then comes the “bump.” In a bold undercover move, an FBI agent slipped Donna a note on a public street, pretending to be a former cellmate of hitman Sigfredo Garcia. The message? He knew about the murder plot and wanted $5,000 to keep quiet. From there, the pressure campaign escalated—phone calls, texts, and even contact with the family’s dental practice. The aftermath was telling: Charlie Adelson scrambled to buy concert tickets and a limo for Katherine “Katie” Magbanua and Garcia, trying to keep them close and under control. Together, the wiretaps and the bump form a devastating narrative: this wasn’t a family blindsided by false accusations, but one already planning escapes and bracing for exposure. Donna Adelson, now 75, stands accused of orchestrating the 2014 murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. Prosecutors argue she conspired with her son Charlie and others to eliminate Markel so her daughter and grandchildren could live freely in Miami. Charlie Adelson was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life. Donna was arrested that same year at the Miami airport with a one-way ticket to Vietnam. Her trial in Tallahassee is expected to continue through September 5. Stay tuned as we unpack every detail. Hashtags #DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #TrueCrime #MurderForHire #TrialCoverage #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #FBI #WiretapEvidence #TrueCrimeCommunity
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Donna Adelson Trial: Detective Reveals Explosive New Text Messages in Dan Markel Murder PART 1 The Trial of Donna Adelson grew even more intense as a detective took the stand to reveal a fresh set of text messages connected to the murder of law professor Dan Markel. These weren’t random exchanges—they were carefully preserved communications that prosecutors say shine new light on the planning, coordination, and fallout of the alleged murder-for-hire scheme. Jurors were shown how these texts moved between family members and associates, their tone ranging from casual to cryptic. According to the detective, the messages demonstrated timing that was anything but coincidental. Texts sent just before and after the killing lined up with surveillance, phone records, and wiretap evidence already presented earlier in the trial. Prosecutors argue that together, the messages create a timeline that links the Adelson family’s private chatter to the public tragedy of Dan Markel’s death. One set of messages highlighted Donna’s communication with her son Charlie, suggesting a level of involvement and awareness that undermines the defense’s portrait of her as a disconnected grandmother. Other texts seemed innocuous on the surface—talk of birthdays, errands, or family matters—but prosecutors pointed out how the timing suggested coded references to money and logistics. The detective’s testimony was critical because it added another layer of digital evidence to a case already built on undercover recordings, wiretaps, and financial trails. While defense attorneys tried to argue the texts were open to interpretation, the state emphasized that the pattern was undeniable. Taken alone, each text might be harmless. Taken together, they begin to look like the threads of a conspiracy being woven in plain sight. For jurors, these new messages may help answer one of the most important questions in the case: was Donna Adelson just an innocent parent caught in her children’s troubles, or was she an active architect in a plan that left two boys without their father? #DonnaAdelsonTrial #DanMarkelMurder #TextMessageEvidence #TrueCrimeTrial #CourtroomDrama #MurderForHireCase #DonnaAdelson #CharlieAdelson #JusticeForDanMarkel #TrialCoverage Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Donna Adelson Trial: Detective Reveals Explosive New Text Messages in Dan Markel Murder PART 2 The Trial of Donna Adelson grew even more intense as a detective took the stand to reveal a fresh set of text messages connected to the murder of law professor Dan Markel. These weren’t random exchanges—they were carefully preserved communications that prosecutors say shine new light on the planning, coordination, and fallout of the alleged murder-for-hire scheme. Jurors were shown how these texts moved between family members and associates, their tone ranging from casual to cryptic. According to the detective, the messages demonstrated timing that was anything but coincidental. Texts sent just before and after the killing lined up with surveillance, phone records, and wiretap evidence already presented earlier in the trial. Prosecutors argue that together, the messages create a timeline that links the Adelson family’s private chatter to the public tragedy of Dan Markel’s death. One set of messages highlighted Donna’s communication with her son Charlie, suggesting a level of involvement and awareness that undermines the defense’s portrait of her as a disconnected grandmother. Other texts seemed innocuous on the surface—talk of birthdays, errands, or family matters—but prosecutors pointed out how the timing suggested coded references to money and logistics. The detective’s testimony was critical because it added another layer of digital evidence to a case already built on undercover recordings, wiretaps, and financial trails. While defense attorneys tried to argue the texts were open to interpretation, the state emphasized that the pattern was undeniable. Taken alone, each text might be harmless. Taken together, they begin to look like the threads of a conspiracy being woven in plain sight. For jurors, these new messages may help answer one of the most important questions in the case: was Donna Adelson just an innocent parent caught in her children’s troubles, or was she an active architect in a plan that left two boys without their father? #DonnaAdelsonTrial #DanMarkelMurder #TextMessageEvidence #TrueCrimeTrial #CourtroomDrama #MurderForHireCase #DonnaAdelson #CharlieAdelson #JusticeForDanMarkel #TrialCoverage Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Donna Adelson Trial: Jailhouse Snitch Says She Offered Grand Piano for Favorable Testimony  The Trial of Donna Adelson took another shocking turn as jurors heard from a jailhouse witness who claims Donna tried to bribe her for favorable testimony. The inmate told the court that while the two were housed together, Donna offered her something completely out of the ordinary: a grand piano. It was a bizarre promise, but prosecutors argue it was a desperate attempt by the accused matriarch to buy her way out of accountability. According to the witness, Donna didn’t just float the idea casually—she pressed the point, suggesting that she could arrange for the extravagant gift if the inmate would help her by testifying in a way that supported her defense. The inmate described how unusual and suspicious the offer felt, painting a picture of a woman who was still trying to manipulate the system even from behind bars. Prosecutors seized on this testimony to argue that Donna’s mindset hasn’t changed. Just as they claim she orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot for the benefit of her family, now, years later, she was still trying to pull strings from her jail cell—using wealth, influence, and extravagant promises to bend others to her will. For jurors, the story of a jailhouse “grand piano bribe” was almost surreal, but it underscored the prosecution’s central theme: Donna Adelson is always plotting, always maneuvering, always working to stay in control. The defense, of course, will attack the credibility of a jailhouse snitch, arguing that inmates have every incentive to fabricate stories for their own benefit. But the detail and sheer oddity of this alleged bribe may be exactly what makes it stick in the minds of jurors. It’s not just the money trail or the wiretaps anymore—it’s the extreme lengths Donna Adelson was allegedly willing to go to protect herself, even from inside a cell. #DonnaAdelsonTrial #JailhouseSnitch #GrandPianoBribe #TrueCrimeTrial #DanMarkelMurder #CourtroomDrama #MurderForHireCase #DonnaAdelson #JusticeForDanMarkel #TrialCoverage Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Wendy Adelson’s “I Don’t Remember” Strategy: Trauma or Cover-Up? While Robert Adelson took the stand with blunt force, Wendy Adelson chose a very different strategy — and it has the courtroom buzzing. Over and over again, her answers leaned on selective memory: “I don’t remember.” But what does that really mean? Is Wendy’s forgetfulness a trauma response after years of stress, manipulation, and family chaos? Or is it a carefully measured way to protect herself — and maybe her mother — from saying too much? Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott dissects Wendy’s testimony in real time, explaining how children of narcissistic parents often struggle to break free. Why does one sibling tell the full truth while another stays entangled in loyalty? And how does a jury read hesitation when the stakes are life and death? Wendy’s testimony could either make her look like a daughter torn apart by family control — or a woman hiding behind a wall of “I don’t remembers.” The question now: what will the jury believe? #DonnaAdelson #WendyAdelson #AdelsonTrial #DanMarkel #TrueCrime #FamilyDynamics #ShavaunScott #HiddenKillers Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Donna Adelson Trial: FBI Agents and Audio Expert Unravel Coded Conversations The Trial of Donna Adelson continued with three key witnesses who each added new dimensions to the state’s case against the woman prosecutors say orchestrated the murder-for-hire plot that killed law professor Dan Markel. First up was FBI Special Agent Louis Bronstein, who walked jurors through the undercover surveillance operation that captured Charlie Adelson and Katherine Magbanua discussing the fallout from the FBI’s infamous “bump.” His testimony gave jurors a behind-the-scenes look at how investigators staged, recorded, and preserved crucial evidence—evidence prosecutors argue shows Donna’s family scrambling to contain a conspiracy. Next was forensic audio expert James McElveen, who helped decode the recordings at the heart of the prosecution’s case. In a restaurant filled with background noise and distractions, McElveen explained how he enhanced and clarified the conversations so jurors could hear the words prosecutors believe expose the coded language of the Adelson circle—phrases like “gifts,” “cards,” and “cars” that may have carried far more sinister meaning. Finally, FBI Agent Brian Kendall took the stand to present additional surveillance and investigative details. His testimony tied the pieces together, showing how agents tracked movements, analyzed behavior, and built the narrative of a family under pressure. Kendall’s account brought the investigation out of the abstract and back into the reality of Donna Adelson’s alleged role in holding the scheme together. Together, Bronstein, McElveen, and Kendall delivered a day of testimony that blended surveillance, science, and strategy. For the jury, it was a layered presentation of how investigators say Donna Adelson operated as the mastermind, pulling strings from behind the scenes while her family carried out the plan. #DonnaAdelsonTrial #DanMarkelMurder #TrueCrimeTrial #CourtroomDrama #MurderForHireCase #DonnaAdelson #CharlieAdelson #WiretapEvidence #JusticeForDanMarkel #TrialCoverage Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Nine Bombshell Moments That Crushed Donna Adelson in Court Was Donna Adelson just a meddling mother-in-law—or a calculated participant in a murder-for-hire plot? In this gripping breakdown, we examine 9 of the most damning revelations from Sergeant Christopher Corbett’s testimony during Donna Adelson’s trial. These aren’t theories. They’re pulled straight from forensic cell tower data, call records, and Donna’s own words—backed by digital receipts and airtight timelines. From a chilling post-murder text that read “Outside your house,” to a highly suspicious message telling her son Charlie to “Erase this after you read it,” the evidence stacks up fast—and hard. You’ll hear how: Charlie called the family landline only after rental cars tied to the hit were picked up. Donna was on the move just minutes after Dan Markel was shot—taking a route that conveniently paused at her son’s house. She referred to the victim’s children as “Adelsons” two weeks before he was even dead. And perhaps most damning of all, she laid out a plan in a 2013 email that included her, Harvey, and Charlie… a plan to pressure, manipulate, and financially corner Dan Markel. This isn’t just about motive anymore. This is about direct involvement, intentional secrecy, and digital trails that don’t lie. Watch now as we walk moment by moment through the evidence the jury heard—evidence that could very well decide Donna Adelson’s fate.  Listen closely. These aren’t just family conversations. They’re breadcrumbs that lead straight to the heart of a murder conspiracy. #DonnaAdelson #TrueCrime #DanMarkel #MarkelMurder #CharlieAdelson #AdelsonTrial #MurderForHire #WiretapEvidence #PhoneRecords #CourtroomDrama #HiddenKillers #RealStoryMedia Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
FBI Agent Pat Sanford Breaks Down Wiretaps And Undercover “Bump” In Donna Adelson Trial The Trial of Donna Adelson turned a sharp corner today as FBI Special Agent Pat Sanford took the stand. His testimony focused on the heart of the government’s case: the surveillance, the wiretaps, and the bold undercover operation known as the “bump.” Jurors were walked through how agents set the trap by sending an undercover operative to approach Donna Adelson in public while posing as a gang member. What happened next was no accident. Sanford explained that the goal of the bump was to provoke reaction—and that’s exactly what it did. Within minutes of Donna being approached, the Adelson family’s phones lit up. Donna called Charlie. Charlie called Katherine Magbanua. The web of connections prosecutors allege was behind the murder of Dan Markel was suddenly buzzing with nervous communication. The jury listened as Sanford connected the dots, pointing out how innocent-sounding calls were layered with coded language and anxiety. Donna herself seemed calm on the surface, but her immediate pivot to calling Charlie showed investigators she was anything but. Sanford told the jury this was not random chatter—it was the language of a conspiracy under pressure. For the prosecution, Sanford’s testimony is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It shows jurors how law enforcement went beyond theory and speculation. They engineered a real-time stress test that forced the Adelsons to show their hand. Whether jurors see it as calculated conspiracy or simply a worried family, Sanford’s calm and detailed breakdown gave them a roadmap to understanding the case. #DonnaAdelsonTrial #FBIAgentTestimony #UndercoverBump #WiretapEvidence #CharlieAdelson #KatherineMagbanua #DanMarkelMurder #TrueCrimeTrial #CourtroomDrama #JusticeForDanMarkel Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
Who Is Jackie Fulford? Donna Adelson’s Doppelgänger Lawyer Has a Shocking History Donna Adelson’s choice of legal counsel might be the most overlooked plot twist in the Dan Markel murder saga — until you see who’s sitting next to her in court. Enter Jackie L. Fulford: a former Florida judge who left the bench not in retirement — but under scandal. In this gripping breakdown, we dive into Fulford’s disturbing history of judicial misconduct, including allegations of abuse of power, personal coercion, and interfering in a domestic battery case involving her live-in partner’s son. Fulford was removed from the bench in 2015 by the Florida Supreme Court, following findings of a “permanent disability” that conveniently ended her ethics case just before a full trial. Now, nearly a decade later, she’s back — not in a robe, but defending a woman accused of orchestrating one of the most calculated murder plots in Florida history. But here’s where it gets eerie. Fulford and Adelson don’t just share a courtroom — they share a look. A posture. A vibe. The resemblance is uncanny. Could Donna Adelson have chosen Fulford not just for legal strategy… but because she sees herself in her? Is this a calculated psychological tactic to reflect control, polish, and power? Or is it just coincidence? This isn’t just a legal breakdown — it’s a story about image, manipulation, and how power presents itself when the cameras are rolling.  Listen as we dissect Fulford’s career implosion, her ethical collapse, and why she might be the most controversial courtroom figure this side of the defense table. Subscribe for more true crime breakdowns, courtroom drama, and psychological deep dives — updated daily. #DonnaAdelson #JackieFulford #DanMarkel #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillers #CourtroomDrama #JudicialMisconduct #MurderTrial #CriminalDefense #RealStoryMedia Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872
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