onna Adelson is a woman from Florida who became widely known because of her involvement in a high-profile murder case. Born in 1950, she is 75 years old in 2025. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper at her family’s successful dental practice and was deeply involved in her children’s lives. Her personal life changed dramatically when she was accused of plotting the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, during a custody dispute.
She married retired dentist Harvey Adelson in the 1970s, and together they raised three children: Wendi, Charlie, and Robert. Wendi followed a career in law, while Charlie became a dentist, and Robert a physician. Donna was known as a devoted mother who managed her family’s home, her husband’s practice, and her children’s activities. Friends remember her as organized, caring, and committed to keeping her family close.
Donna Adelson Wiki/Bio
- Full Name: Donna Sue Adelson
- Date of Birth: 1950 (exact date unavailable)
- Age (2025): 75 years
- Profession: Former Bookkeeper
- Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida, USA
- Current Residence: Leon County Jail, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
- Nationality: American
- Marital Status: Married to Harvey Adelson
- Children: Wendi Adelson, Charlie Adelson, Robert Adelson
- Parents: Names undisclosed
Early Life
Donna Adelson was born in 1950 in Florida and grew up in a middle-class family. Very little is publicly known about her parents or early education. In the 1970s, she married Harvey Adelson, a dentist, and together they raised three children: Wendi, Charlie, and Robert. Donna played a central role in managing the household and supporting her husband’s dental practice.
She dedicated herself to her family, balancing her children’s activities, household responsibilities, and the family business. In 1986, she appeared on Wheel of Fortune, calling herself a “domestic coordinator,” which reflected her role in keeping her family organized and running smoothly. Friends remember her as a devoted and caring mother.
Family Details
Relationship Status: Married to Harvey Adelson
Children: Wendi Adelson, Charlie Adelson, Robert Adelson
Parents: Names undisclosed
Donna and Harvey Adelson raised three children. Wendi became a law professor, Charlie a periodontist later convicted for his role in the murder plot, and Robert a physician who became estranged from the family. Prosecutors argue Donna’s strong devotion to her daughter Wendi and grandchildren influenced her alleged involvement in Dan Markel’s murder after a judge denied Wendi’s request to relocate to Miami.
Although Harvey was present when Donna was arrested at Miami International Airport in 2023, he has not faced any charges.
Career Highlights
Year | Achievement
1986 – Appeared on Wheel of Fortune as a “domestic coordinator.”
1980s–2010s – Worked as a bookkeeper for the Adelson Institute for Aesthetics and Implant Dentistry.
2013 – Allegedly became involved in planning the murder of Dan Markel.
2023 – Arrested at Miami International Airport for murder charges.
2025 – Jury selection for her trial began on August 19.
Donna Adelson worked for decades as a bookkeeper at the family dental practice. She managed the business finances and also played an active role in her children’s lives, balancing household duties with family responsibilities. Friends remember her as organized, caring, and deeply devoted to keeping her family together.
Her life changed dramatically after the allegations in the Dan Markel case. From managing a successful family practice and raising children, she became the center of a high-profile legal case that brought national attention and intense media scrutiny.
Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $1–$2 million
Income Sources: Bookkeeping, family dental practice profits
Donna Adelson’s wealth comes primarily from her work as a bookkeeper and her involvement in the family’s dental practice. The Adelson family owned a large home in Coral Springs, Florida, and had significant financial resources over the years. Much of her net worth has been tied up in legal battles and court proceedings since her arrest.
Despite the legal challenges, her financial background reflects decades of work supporting her family and the family business. Her estimated net worth shows the combination of personal income and family assets that sustained their lifestyle prior to the ongoing criminal case.
Controversies
- Dan Markel Murder-for-Hire Case (2014–2025): Donna Adelson is accused of orchestrating the murder of her former son-in-law during her daughter Wendi’s custody dispute. Evidence cited includes signed checks and FBI recordings. She has denied involvement.
- Attempted Flight to Vietnam (2023): She was arrested at Miami International Airport while attempting to fly to Vietnam, a country without an extradition treaty, shortly after her son’s conviction. Prosecutors argued this indicated guilt.
- Jailhouse Calls (2023): Conversations with her son Charlie included discussions of suicide and fleeing, which were cited in her arrest affidavit.
- Jail Conditions (2023–2025): Donna complained about mistreatment in custody, including being denied showers and threatened by other inmates. Courts denied her request for house arrest.
- Change of Venue Motions (2025): Her defense argued that heavy media coverage made a fair trial in Leon County impossible.
- Plea Deal Rumors (2025): Reports suggested she could receive time served if she implicated Wendi Adelson, but her lawyers denied any such deal.
Donna Adelson’s life and public image have been deeply affected by these controversies. What started as a private family matter became a high-profile legal case, drawing national media attention and intense public scrutiny.
Conclusion
Donna Adelson’s life has been marked by family, work, and controversy. She spent decades managing her family’s home and dental practice while raising three children. Known as a devoted mother, her personal life took a dramatic turn after her arrest in 2023, accused of involvement in the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. The case brought national attention and legal challenges, affecting her reputation and finances. Despite the serious allegations, her story reflects both her dedication to family and the complexities of human choices. Her trial in 2025 continues to be closely watched.
FAQs
1. Who is Donna Adelson?
Donna Adelson is a Florida woman accused of orchestrating her former son-in-law Dan Markel’s 2014 murder-for-hire.
2. What is Donna Adelson’s age and background?
Born in 1950, Donna Adelson is 75 years old, worked as a bookkeeper, and managed her family’s dental practice.
3. Who are Donna Adelson’s family members?
She is married to Harvey Adelson and has three children: Wendi, Charlie, and Robert. Harvey has no criminal charges.
4. What are the major controversies involving Donna Adelson?
She faces charges related to Dan Markel’s murder, attempted flight to Vietnam, jailhouse calls, and legal disputes over her trial.
5. What is Donna Adelson’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is $1–$2 million, mostly from bookkeeping and profits from the family dental practice.
