Deadly Mischief
- Oct 28, 2025
- 1:23:27
- Full Episode
Dennis Murphy reports on the trial of 75-year-old Florida grandmother Donna Adelson, whose family is tied to an elaborate murder-for-hire plot in the death of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel.
Blayne Alexander and Dennis Murphy go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/4oDvL0p
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2s7MAihEUJmC5Lkt1rSP8X
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Brief Summary
The episode reveals the twisted family dynamics behind Dan Markell's murder and the subsequent convictions of his ex-wife and her family.
Key points
- A Family Torn Apart. The murder of Dan Markell reveals deep family rifts and betrayal.
- The Shocking Confession. One of the accused hitmen pleads guilty, unraveling the mystery further.
- Luis Rivera's Confession. Luis Rivera pleads guilty to second-degree murder and reveals the contract to kill Dan Markell.
- Charlie Adelson's Arrest. Charlie Adelson is arrested for first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation of murder.
- Katie's Life Sentence. Katie McBonawa is convicted and sentenced to life in prison for her involvement in the murder.
- Wendy's Testimony. Wendy Adelson testifies under immunity, denying involvement in her ex-husband's murder.
Episode highlights
- A Family Torn ApartThe murder of Dan Markell reveals deep family rifts and betrayal.“A dad gunned down in his garage. A family turned toxic.”0:58Oct 28, 2025
- The Shocking ConfessionOne of the accused hitmen pleads guilty, unraveling the mystery further.“Luis Rivera pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a reduced sentence.”2:16Oct 28, 2025
- Luis Rivera's ConfessionLuis Rivera pleads guilty to second-degree murder and reveals the contract to kill Dan Markell.“I'm going to kill this guy. You're going to get paid this much, $35,000.”22:58Oct 28, 2025
- Charlie Adelson's ArrestCharlie Adelson is arrested for first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation of murder.“It had taken nearly eight years to get here.”36:41Oct 28, 2025
- Katie's Life SentenceKatie McBonawa is convicted and sentenced to life in prison for her involvement in the murder.“The defendant is guilty of first-degree murder.”37:34Oct 28, 2025
- Wendy's TestimonyWendy Adelson testifies under immunity, denying involvement in her ex-husband's murder.“No, that's completely untrue.”39:01Oct 28, 2025
- Charlie Adelson's ArrestCharlie transforms from a suave bachelor to a criminal defendant facing life in prison.“By the fall of 2023, Charlie Adelson had transformed from suave Miami bachelor to criminal defendant facing a life sentence.”48:58Oct 28, 2025
- Donna's ArrestDonna Adelson is apprehended while attempting to flee the country after her son's conviction.“Authorities learned Donna and Harvey had booked one-way tickets to Vietnam the day after Charlie's conviction.”54:47Oct 28, 2025






