Early Life and Family Background
| Full Name | Lincoln Markel |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 2010 |
| Birthplace | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Parents | Dan Markel (father), Wendi Adelson (mother) |
| Sibling | Benjamin Markel (b. 2009) |
| Current City | Miami, Florida |
Dan Markel and Wendi Adelson have Lincoln Markel in Tallahassee in 2010. A high-conflict divorce and his father’s 2014 murder shaped his boyhood. Lincoln was 4 when Dan died. He and his brother relocated to Miami with their mother and maternal grandparents.
After the incident, both children’s surnames were legally changed from “Markel” to “Adelson,” further separating them from their father’s family.
Current Living Situation
Lincoln lives in Miami with his mother, Wendi Adelson, and older brother. The legal issues and media attention surrounding their father’s murder and the Adelson family’s criminal probe have kept their upbringing quiet.
| Custodial Parent | Wendi Adelson |
|---|---|
| Schooling | Private institutions in Miami (undisclosed) |
| Name Change | Legally changed to Adelson after 2015 |
| Age as of 2025 | 15 |
Both children are emotionally involved in a decade-long criminal prosecution despite their ages.
Dan Markel: Father and Victim
| Name | Dan Eric Markel |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1972 |
| Date of Death | July 18, 2014 |
| Profession | Law Professor at FSU |
| Education | Harvard (JD), Cambridge (BA) |
| Manner of Death | Execution-style shooting at home in Tallahassee |
Academic and legal expert Dan Markel was famous. He was murdered shortly after dropping his children off to creche, attracting national attention. The motive is alleged to be a lengthy custody fight and family discord after his divorce.
Wendi Adelson: Mother
| Name | Wendi Jill Adelson |
|---|---|
| Education | JD, University of Miami |
| Profession | Former Clinical Professor, FSU |
| Marital Status | Divorced (2013) |
| Custody | Full custody since 2014 |
| Criminal Status | Not charged as of 2025 |
Wendi denies murdering her ex-husband. Soon after his death, she moved the kids to South Florida from Tallahassee. She has made few public appearances and complied with subpoenas.
Donna Sue Adelson: Maternal Grandmother
Personal Background
| Full Name | Donna Sue Adelson |
|---|---|
| Birth Era | 1950s |
| Profession | Co-manager of family dental practice |
| Marital Status | Married to Harvey Adelson |
| Residency | Miami, Florida |
Lincoln Markel’s grandmother, Donna Adelson, is essential to Dan Markel’s murder trial.
Criminal Case and Proceedings
| Arrest Date | November 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location of Arrest | Miami International Airport |
| Charges | First-degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation |
| Detention Location | Wakulla County Jail (since June 6, 2025) |
| Trial Date | August 19, 2025 |
| Legal Motions | Venue change requested (June 2025) |
Donna Adelson was detained trying to catch a one-way trip to Vietnam. Prosecutors say she planned the murder to address custody issues with her daughter and grandchildren. Escape, money trusts, and legal avoidance were discussed in jail records.
Net Worth and Assets
| Net Worth Estimate | Moderate (undisclosed) |
|---|---|
| Source of Wealth | Family dental business |
| Legal Expenses | Ongoing and substantial |
Her job in a profitable South Florida dentistry franchise suggests a strong financial position, however this is never confirmed. Her net worth may be declining due to legal fees.
Legal Timeline of the Markel Case
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 18, 2014 | Dan Markel murdered in Tallahassee |
| 2016 | First arrests in murder-for-hire plot |
| November 2023 | Donna Adelson arrested at Miami airport |
| June 6, 2025 | Donna transferred to Wakulla County Jail |
| August 19, 2025 | Donna Adelson’s trial set in Leon County (pending venue change) |
Psychological and Social Effects on Lincoln Markel
Lincoln Markel suffers greatly emotionally. He was in a difficult situation after losing his father to violence at four, moving places, and changing his surname.
| Trauma Events | Father’s murder (age 4), family split, media exposure |
|---|---|
| Psychological Risk | Elevated (based on trauma-related studies in minors) |
| Media Coverage | Ongoing national attention |
Age and legal safeguards keep Lincoln’s personal details hidden, but he grows up with a family entangled in high-profile litigation and scrutiny.
Public Behavior and Trial Dynamics
Several early 2025 court appearances showed Donna Adelson beaming, smirking, and shaking her head. The presiding judge warned her about courtroom behaviour. These actions are legal and emotional for the family, especially for grandchildren Lincoln and Benjamin.
FAQ
Who is Lincoln Markel?
Lincoln Markel, born in 2010, is the younger son of deceased law professor Dan Markel and Wendi Adelson.
Where does Lincoln Markel live now?
Lincoln lives in Miami with his mother and older brother in 2025.
What happened to Lincoln’s father?
Prosecutors say a murder-for-hire plot killed Dan Markel on July 18, 2014.
Is Lincoln still using the surname “Markel”?
No.He became “Adelson” after his father died.
What is the status of Donna Sue Adelson?
She faces first-degree murder and conspiracy charges.
When is Donna Adelson’s trial scheduled?
Her trial is scheduled for August 19, 2025, but the location may change.
Was Wendi Adelson ever charged?
Wendi Adelson remains uncharged with the murder as of 2025.
How old is Lincoln Markel now?
He is 15 years old in 2025.
What is known about Lincoln’s education?
Unknown, but he may attend a Miami private school.
Does Lincoln have siblings?
A 2009-born older brother named Benjamin.
Let me know if you want a printable version or a longer Wendi or Charlie Adelson profile.
