In the gripping second part of the Daniel Markel case we delve deeper into the intricate web of deceit surrounding the murder-for-hire plot. This episode focuses on the trials of the two masterminds behind the shocking crime: Charlie and Donna Adelson.

• Charlie Adelson's Trial: The episode begins with the conviction of Charlie Adelson. The state's case was built on compelling evidence, including audio recordings from a Miami restaurant where Charlie discussed killing a blackmailer or a police officer. The money trail connecting the Adelson family's dental practice to Katie Magbanua, the ex-girlfriend of the hitman, also played a crucial role. Charlie took the stand in his own defense, claiming he was being extorted by the hitmen. This defense was ultimately not believed by the jury, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation.

• Donna Adelson's Arrest and Trial: Just seven days after her son's conviction, the matriarch, Donna Adelson, was arrested at Miami International Airport as she and her husband, Harvey, were attempting to flee to Vietnam, a non-extradition country. Key evidence against her included monitored phone calls where she discussed fleeing the country and a recording where she was overheard mulling over extradition policies and reading text messages from her daughter, Wendi. During her trial, testimony from her fellow inmates revealed her attempts to orchestrate false testimony and her admission of her role in the murder. The verdict was unforgettable, as Donna gasped dramatically when she was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation, becoming the fifth person convicted in Dan's murder.

• The Family's Web of Lies: The podcast also uncovers new details about the involvement of other family members. Wendi Adelson, Dan's ex-wife, testified under immunity but was confronted with her past inconsistencies about her knowledge of the murder plot. It was also revealed that Donna and Wendi had a deep knowledge of Dan's daily routine, and Wendi's ex-boyfriend testified that she once mentioned Charlie looking into a hitman for $15,000.

• Legacy and Justice: The episode concludes with the powerful impact of the case on Dan Markel's parents, Ruth and Phil Markel. Their advocacy led to a new law and a long-awaited reunion with their grandsons.

In this episode, we delve into the shocking murder of Harvard-educated law professor Dan Markel. His life was cut short in a targeted hit that investigators believe was a murder-for-hire plot.

This is more than just a true crime drama; it's a story of a devoted father and brilliant legal scholar caught in a bitter family feud that spiraled into something unthinkable. Dan's divorce from his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, became an all-out war over the custody of their two young sons and relocation to South Florida.

You'll hear about the powerful and controlling Adelson family, specifically Wendy's parents, Donna and Harvey, and her brother, Charlie, who had an "obsession" with their hatred of Dan. As the story unfolds, you’ll discover disturbing emails from Donna Adelson detailing a plan to manipulate Dan, including using his Jewish faith against him, and even joking about dressing the children in Hitler Youth uniforms.

The police investigation quickly turned to the Adelson family after Wendy made some unusual comments and her boyfriend, Jeff Lacasse, urged them to look into her family. The timing of the murder, which took place just after a hearing on family control was set, was not lost on investigators, who saw a clear motive for murder. After his death, Wendy quickly moved their children to Miami and cut off contact with Dan's parents.

Join us for Part 1 of this unbelievable case as we explore the chilling details that lead to the death of Dan Markel. The second part of this episode is available now on Patreon and will be available everywhere on Thursday.

Jennifer Kesse was a 24-year-old woman with a bright future who vanished from her home in Orlando, Florida, in January 2006. She had just returned from a trip and spoke to her family the night before. When she failed to show up for work, her family immediately knew something was wrong.

This is where it all began. In 2017, our very first episode covered the Casey Anthony case. Eight years later, we're revisiting this infamous story with fresh perspective and updated information. In 2008, two-year-old Caylee Anthony disappeared from Orlando. Her mother Casey waited 31 days to report her missing. When Caylee's remains were found, Casey was charged with murder. The trial shocked the nation. Recently, Casey re-emerged on social media, rebranding herself as an advocate. This renewed episode is our definitive deep dive into one of the most controversial cases in true crime history.

In 1987, Michelle Schofield was murdered in Lakeland, Florida. Her husband Leo was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. But Leo has always maintained his innocence. The Bone Valley podcast, created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gilbert King, uncovered shocking evidence never presented at trial: DNA pointing to another suspect, ignored witness testimony, and a serial killer's confession. Despite this new evidence, Leo remains in prison. This episode features an interview with Gilbert King about his investigation and Leo's ongoing fight for freedom.

In this special revisit episode, Mandy and Melissa return to Gabby Petito's story as part of a domestic violence awareness series. Gabby was murdered by her fiancé Brian Laundrie during a cross-country van trip in 2021. This episode focuses on the red flags in their relationship and includes a special interview with Gabby's mother, Nicole Schmidt, discussing warning signs, resources, and how to talk to children about healthy relationships.

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

On July 19, 1990, a couple in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, discovered the dismembered body of Beverly McGowan in a canal. The 34-year-old's head and hands had been removed to conceal her identity. Beverly was a quiet, hardworking woman who had been murdered by Elaine Parent, a con artist and identity thief. Elaine befriended Beverly, killed her, and fled to London using stolen identities. This is the story of a woman whose trust was betrayed and the pursuit of her killer.

This week we are discussing the disappearance of former Marine, Bryan “Vladek” Hasel, and his family’s desperate search to locate him. 

Thank you to Bethany and Jodi Hasel for sharing your brother’s story with us. 

This week we are discussing Marlene Warren, a beloved mother whose murder went unsolved for 33 years, even after multiple witnesses saw someone dressed as a clown shoot her in broad daylight.

This week we are discussing the murder of Jared Bridegan, a beloved father of 4 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, as well as the updates that have occurred in his case since we first covered it last year.

This week we are discussing the disappearance of Tracy Ocasio and the man thought to be responsible for her murder.

Research by Haley Gray with Haley Gray Research.

This week we are discussing the horrific quadruple murder that occurred aboard the Joe Cool, a 47 foot charter yacht. 

Research by Haley Gray with Haley Gray Research.

This week’s episode is a little different. We need your help in an ongoing murder case out of Jacksonville, Florida. Jared Bridegan was a devoted and loving husband and father, but on the night of February 16, 2022, he was shot in front of his (then) 2-year-old daughter with no other witnesses around. No suspects have been officially named, but this case is solvable, and we hope to bring awareness to it in the hopes that someone, who knows something, will come forward and it will bring justice to this incredible family.

Research by Haley Gray with Haley Gray Research. Without Haley, this episode would not be possible, and we could not ever thank her enough for her tireless research and the energy she has put into this.

This week we are going back into the vault and replaying an episode from March of 2020. This week we are re-telling the story of a well-known attorney in Nevada and how he was murdered at the hands of a lifelong con artist. Plus there’s an update at the end of the episode.

This week we are discussing the murder of a young woman in Florida who was murdered by a romantic rival.

Thank you to Haley Gray with Haley Gray Research for your help in the episode!

This week we are discussing the story of the “hiccup girl” and the events that led to to the murder of an innocent man.

This week we are discussing the life and crimes of an unlikely boyband mogul.

Thank you Haley Gray with HaleyGrayResearch.com for your help with this episode.

This week we are discussing the murder of a rising star at the hands of her stalker.

Thank you Haley Gray with HaleyGrayResearch.com for your help with this episode

This week we’re talking about a serial killer whose victims covered the United States over a three month period in the 90’s.

This week we are discussing the suspicious disappearance of a Central Florida man just two years after he won the lottery.