Talking Dateline: Deadly Mischief
- Oct 29, 2025
- 27:54
- Full Episode
<p>Blayne Alexander talks with Dennis Murphy and Dateline producer Brad Davis about their episode, “Deadly Mischief.” In 2014, after esteemed FSU law professor Dan Markel was fatally shot, investigators uncovered a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated, according to prosecutors, by Markel’s former mother-in-law, Donna Adelson. Blayne, Dennis, and Brad discuss the circumstantial case against Donna and do a deep dive on the witness testimony of two of her children, Robert and Wendi Adelson, including a podcast-exclusive clip in which Wendi describes her mother’s reaction to the news of the murder. Plus, they answer your social media questions.</p><p>Have a question for Talking Dateline? DM us a video to @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252. Your question may be featured in an upcoming episode.</p><p>Listen to the full episode “Deadly Mischief” on Apple: <a href="https://apple.co/4nvYSSu">https://apple.co/4nvYSSu</a></p><p>Listen on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rQ8PE9UWxPW3W95g2Ihwb">https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rQ8PE9UWxPW3W95g2Ihwb</a></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Brief Summary
The episode discusses Dan Markell's murder case and Donna Adelson's conviction, featuring insights from guests and social media questions.
Key points
- Murder-for-Hire Plot Uncovered. FSU law professor Dan Markell was murdered in 2014, leading to a complex investigation.
- Donna Adelson's Guilty Verdict. Donna Adelson was convicted, becoming the fifth person charged in the case.
- Wendy Adelson's Testimony. Wendy testifies about her mother's trial, raising questions about her involvement.
- Family Dynamics in Court. The courtroom becomes a family reunion with tense dynamics among the Adelsons.
- Future of Wendy Adelson. Questions linger about whether Wendy will face charges in the future.
- The Burning Question. There's a big, burning question that only a few people know the answer to.
Episode highlights
- Murder-for-Hire Plot UncoveredFSU law professor Dan Markell was murdered in 2014, leading to a complex investigation.“When FSU law professor Dan Markell was shot in the garage of his home back in 2014.”0:33Oct 29, 2025
- Donna Adelson's Guilty VerdictDonna Adelson was convicted, becoming the fifth person charged in the case.“11 years after his murder, Donna's murder trial ended with a guilty verdict.”0:44Oct 29, 2025
- Wendy Adelson's TestimonyWendy testifies about her mother's trial, raising questions about her involvement.“Wendy Adelson will take the stand in her mother's murder trial.”8:07Oct 29, 2025
- Family Dynamics in CourtThe courtroom becomes a family reunion with tense dynamics among the Adelsons.“It was a very weird family reunion, to say the least.”15:03Oct 29, 2025
- Future of Wendy AdelsonQuestions linger about whether Wendy will face charges in the future.“Will she face charges?”15:14Oct 29, 2025
- The Burning QuestionThere's a big, burning question that only a few people know the answer to.“It's the really big, burning question.”21:41Oct 29, 2025
- The Other Son's EscapeA viewer asks about Robert, the son who escaped the family's turmoil.“Just wondering why he escaped the mess of that family.”22:23Oct 29, 2025
- Changing Names for ProtectionWendy changed her sons' names back to protect them, raising questions about motives.“The Adelson name is associated with murder.”23:39Oct 29, 2025
