Donna Adelson Biography: Age, Family, Net Worth
Donna Adelson is a Florida woman who gained national attention after being charged in the 2014 murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. Once known as a devoted mother and bookkeeper, her quiet family life took a shocking turn. Now in her mid-70s, she stands accused of playing a major role in one of Florida’s most talked-about criminal cases.
She lived a comfortable life built around family, success, and stability before her arrest in 2023. Married to retired dentist Harvey Adelson, Donna helped manage their family dental business for decades. Today, she remains in custody as her legal battles continue, with the public closely watching every development in her case.
Who is Donna Adelson?
Donna Adelson is a Florida woman facing serious charges. She stands accused of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges. Her case involves the 2014 Dan Markel murder plot. Prosecutors say she orchestrated the entire murder-for-hire scheme.
The charges stem from her daughter’s bitter custody dispute. Wendi Adelson was fighting with her ex-husband, Dan Markel. Donna allegedly helped plan the killing of her son-in-law. She was arrested in 2023 while trying to flee.
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Donna Adelson Profile Summary
| Full Name | Donna Sue Adelson |
| Date of Birth | 1950 (exact date not publicly available) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 75 years old |
| Birthplace | Florida, United States |
| Current Residence | Leon County Jail, Tallahassee, Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Bookkeeper |
| Workplace | Adelson Institute for Aesthetics and Implant Dentistry |
| Marital Status | Married to Harvey Adelson |
| Husband | Harvey Adelson (Retired Dentist) |
| Children | Wendi Adelson, Charlie Adelson, Robert Adelson |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1 million to $2 million |
| Hometown | Coral Springs, Florida, USA |
| Criminal Charges | First-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation |
| Arrest Date | November 2023 |
| Arrest Location | Miami International Airport |
| Trial Start Date | Jury selection began on August 19, 2025 |
| Case Status | Awaiting trial, pleaded not guilty |
| Notable Appearance | Wheel of Fortune (1986) |
Donna Adelson Age
Donna Adelson was born in the year nineteen fifty. She is currently seventy-five years old as of now. Her exact birth date remains unknown to the public. The Donna Adelson age makes her a senior citizen.
She appeared on Wheel of Fortune back in nineteen eighty-six. At that time, she was in her mid-thirties. Donna described herself as a busy domestic coordinator then. Her age now reflects decades of family life turmoil.
| Birth Year | 1950 |
| Current Age | 75 years |
| Age at Arrest | 73 years |
| Age During Wheel of Fortune | Approximately 36 years |
Donna Adelson Trial
The Donna Adelson trial began with jury selection recently. Jury selection started on August nineteenth in twenty twenty-five. Her trial has attracted massive media coverage across Florida. The case focuses on the Dan Markel murder plot.
Prosecutors claim Donna masterminded the entire murder-for-hire scheme. Evidence includes signed checks and undercover FBI audio recordings. She allegedly paid Katherine Magbanua to arrange the killing. The Donna Adelson court case involves detailed financial transaction records.
Her defence team argues she is completely innocent here. They claim media coverage has damaged her reputation unfairly. The Donna Adelson trial date was set after lengthy delays. Her lawyers requested a change of venue unsuccessfully earlier.
Donna Adelson Early Life
Donna Adelson was born in Florida in nineteen fifty. She grew up in a typical middle-class American household. Details about her parents and siblings remain largely unknown. Her early education background has not been publicly disclosed.
She married Harvey Adelson during the 1970s. Together, they built a successful cosmetic dentistry practice. The couple raised three children in South Florida together. Donna focused on managing both family and business affairs.
Friends remember her as a devoted and protective mother. She was known for keeping her family very close. The Donna Adelson family background seemed stable and prosperous initially. Her private life stayed out of public attention then.
Donna Adelson Family Details
Donna Adelson is married to retired dentist Harvey Adelson. The Donna Adelson husband has not faced any charges. They built the Adelson Institute together over many decades. Harvey was present during her Miami airport arrest recently.
The Donna Adelson children include three adult kids now. Wendi Adelson became a law professor at universities. Charlie Adelson worked as a periodontist before his conviction. Robert Adelson is a physician who distanced himself completely.
Prosecutors say Donna’s devotion to Wendi drove her actions. She allegedly wanted to help Wendi relocate to Miami. The custody battle with Dan Markel created immense tension. The Donna Adelson family faced public scrutiny after the arrests.
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Donna Adelson Career Highlights
Donna worked as a bookkeeper for decades at work. She managed finances at the Adelson Institute for years. The Donna Adelson profession involved handling her husband’s dental practice. She also appeared on Wheel of Fortune in eighty-six.
Her career took a dark turn in twenty thirteen. Prosecutors allege she began planning the murder-for-hire plot. She signed checks to intermediary Katherine Magbanua, allegedly, then. The Donna Adelson bookkeeper role gave her financial control.
| Year | Career Event |
| 1970s–2010s | Bookkeeper at Adelson Institute for Aesthetics and Implant Dentistry |
| 1986 | Appeared on Wheel of Fortune as “domestic coordinator” |
| 2013–2014 | Allegedly involved in the Dan Markel murder planning |
| November 2023 | Arrested at Miami International Airport |
| August 2025 | Trial jury selection began |
Donna Adelson Birthday
Donna Adelson’s exact birthday is not publicly known currently. She was born sometime during the year nineteen fifty. Her age is calculated based on birth year only. The Donna Adelson birthday details remain private from media sources.
Public records do not reveal her specific birth month. Court documents only mention her birth year in filings. She turned seventy-five years old during twenty twenty-five. Her age became relevant during the trial proceedings recently.
Family members have not shared birthday celebration details publicly. The focus remains on her criminal case and charges. The Donna Adelson age and birthday are less important now. Her trial and legal battles dominate all public discussions.
Donna Adelson Net Worth
The Donna Adelson net worth is estimated at one million. Some sources suggest it could reach two million dollars. Her wealth comes from the family dental practice profits. She also earned income from her bookkeeping work there.
The Adelsons owned a large five-bedroom Coral Springs home. They had significant financial resources for international travel plans. Prosecutors say her wealth enabled the Vietnam flight attempt. The Donna Adelson net worth 2025 is tied to assets.
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million to $2 million |
| Primary Income Source | Bookkeeping at Adelson Institute |
| Secondary Income | Family dental practice profits |
| Assets | Five-bedroom home in Coral Springs, Florida |
| Current Status | Wealth tied up in legal defence costs |
Donna Adelson Controversies
- Dan Markel Murder-for-Hire Case: Donna faces charges for allegedly orchestrating the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law during a custody dispute with her daughter, Wendi
- Miami Airport Arrest: The Donna Adelson Miami airport arrest occurred in November 2023 when she attempted to board a one-way flight to Vietnam, a non-extradition country
- FBI Undercover Recordings: Prosecutors presented audio recordings capturing conversations that allegedly linked Donna to the murder conspiracy and payment arrangements
- Signed Checks Evidence: Financial records show Donna signed checks to Katherine Magbanua, who prosecutors say served as an intermediary in the murder plot
- Jailhouse Phone Calls: Recorded conversations between Donna and her son, Charlie Adelson, discussed suicide and fleeing the country, cited in arrest documents
- Plea Deal Rumours: Reports circulated about a potential time-served deal if Donna implicated her daughter, Wendi, though her lawyers denied such negotiations
- Change of Venue Motions: The Donna Adelson media coverage prompted defence requests to move the trial, arguing that fair jury selection was impossible in Leon County
- Jail Condition Complaints: Donna alleged mistreatment in custody, including denial of showers and threats from inmates, though courts denied her house arrest requests
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Where is Donna Adelson now?
Donna Adelson is currently held in Leon County Jail. The Donna Adelson in jail status continues during the trial. She has been incarcerated since her November arrest date. Her location is in Tallahassee, Florida, awaiting trial proceedings.
She remains behind bars while her case moves forward. Courts denied her requests for house arrest or bail. The Donna Adelson Leon County Jail residence is her home. She communicates with her legal team regularly from custody.
The Donna Adelson latest news focuses on trial updates. Her case attracts national media attention and documentary interest. The Donna Adelson updates 2025 include ongoing court hearings. She maintains her not guilty plea throughout the proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Donna Adelson?
Donna Adelson is a Florida woman charged in connection with the 2014 murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel.
How old is Donna Adelson now?
Donna Adelson is 75 years old in 2025.
What did Donna Adelson do?
She was accused of helping plan a murder-for-hire plot involving her daughter’s ex-husband, Dan Markel.
Where is Donna Adelson now?
She is currently held at the Leon County Jail in Tallahassee, Florida, awaiting trial.
What is Donna Adelson’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is between $1 million and $2 million.
Last Words
Donna Adelson’s story is one of deep family ties and shocking turns. Once known for her caring nature and steady life in Florida, she is now facing serious criminal charges. Her case shows how quickly life can change when choices lead down the wrong path.
As her trial continues, the world watches closely for answers and justice. Whether guilty or not, Donna’s life will never be the same. Her name has become a symbol of tragedy, family conflict, and the lasting impact of one fateful decision.
