The Dan Markell Murder-for-Hire Case

• 💡 Donna Adelson, the mother-in-law of law professor Dan Markell, was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder.
• 🎯 The motive for the murder was Adelson's alleged anger that Markell refused to move his children seven hours away from his home to be closer to her.
• 📌 Markell was found in his car with a shattered window and head injuries, initially still moving, indicating he was alive for a period after being shot.

Adelson's Attempts for a New Trial

• ⚖️ Adelson filed a motion for a new trial, claiming juror misconduct, judicial bias, and a lack of evidence, just two weeks after her conviction.
• 💬 Her claims include a juror posting about her selection on TikTok during the trial and discussing details after the verdict, which Adelson argues constitutes misconduct.
• 🎭 Adelson also previously attempted to get out of jail by complaining about earwax buildup and the starchy food making her gain weight, which critics found ridiculous given the severity of her charges.

Jury Deliberation and Verdict

• 🧠 Juror number six, Evan Higinbotham, stated that the jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict within the first hour and a half of deliberation.
• ✅ The jury focused on the evidence presented and found very little friction or bickering during their discussions, despite some minor misrecollections of details.
• 📊 Key evidence included testimonies from Chris Corvett (digital forensics) and Rob Adelson (Donna's son), which helped create a comprehensive picture of her involvement in orchestrating the murder.

The Brutality of the Crime

• 🔬 Medical examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns detailed that Markell suffered gunshot wounds to his face and forehead, and was alive for a period after being shot, experiencing brain swelling before death.
• ⚠️ Evidence suggested Markell may have tried to shield himself, as indicated by a gunshot wound to his forearm.
• 💔 The murder was described as a brutal homicide that took away a loving father and a pillar of the legal community, leaving his children as significant victims.