Talking Dateline: Deadly Mischief
- Oct 29, 2025
- 27:54
- Full Episode
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.
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Listen to the full episode “Deadly Mischief” on Apple: https://apple.co/4nvYSSu
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rQ8PE9UWxPW3W95g2Ihwb
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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
