Early Life and Career
Charles Adelson, born in South Florida in 1968, earned his DDS from a top Midwestern university in May 1993. He completed his periodontics speciality residency in June 1996 and became licensed in Florida in August 1996. Adelson became a highly compensated travelling periodontist, contracting with approximately 25 dental businesses in five South Florida counties between 2010 and 2016.
In 2015, his revenue reached an estimated $3.5 million from clinical fees, rental properties, and occasional land transactions near Fort Lauderdale. Adelson bought a six-bedroom property for $1.2 million in June 2012 and had $138,000 in personal cash reserves on August 18, 2014. He owned fancy cars and joined exclusive Florida country clubs.
Murder-for-Hire Plot and Conviction
In July 2014, a custody battle with his ex-sister-in-law’s ex-husband led to a plot to eliminate the other party. Daniel Markel, a law professor at Florida State University, was fatally shot in Tallahassee on August 18, 2014. Investigators linked Adelson to the crime via taped communications and financial transfers. Case key figures included:
- Intermediary: Katherine Magbanua, a former associate of Adelson, who negotiated with hired operatives.
- Hitmen: Two individuals arrested in Miami in November 2014 after receiving $25,000 payments.
- Financial Trail: Multiple bank-to-cash transactions in June–August 2014, totalling $67,000.
Adelson was accused in January 2022 and convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder after a two-week trial in November 2023. On December 5, 2023, he was sentenced to life without parole and transported to Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida, on February 12, 2024.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Adelson filed a pro se appeal on January 15, 2024, disputing jury instructions and evidentiary judgements. As of June 18, 2025, the Florida First District Court of Appeal has neither scheduled oral arguments or issued an opinion. Important procedural milestones:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 12, 2022 | Indictment returned on 12 counts including murder. |
| November 13, 2023 | Jury selection began in Leon County, Florida. |
| December 5, 2023 | Sentencing to life imprisonment without parole. |
| January 15, 2024 | Notice of appeal filed. |
| June 1, 2025 | No appellate decision published. |
Financial Overview
In July 2014, the Adelson family had assets worth about $8.1 million, excluding real estate and personal items. As of July 2014, forensic accounting revealed the following holdings:
| Asset Category | July 2014 Balance ($) |
|---|---|
| Investment Accounts | 5,800,000 |
| Checking & Savings | 1,500,000 |
| Business Accounts | 600,000 |
| Cash Reserves | 200,000 |
| Total | 8,100,000 |
The family’s investment portfolio expanded from $4.1 million to $5.8 million between 2013 and 2016, a 12.5% compound annual growth rate. However, by mid-2025, expected legal defence expenses of $1.2 million and potential asset freezes may have diminished net liquidity, but specific estimates are unknown.
Family Engagement with Donna Sue Adelson
Charles’ mother, Donna Sue Adelson (born March 14, 1950), managed the family’s finances and occasionally substituted as a teacher in Broward County. On November 18, 2023, she was arrested at Miami International Airport while attempting to board a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, following her son’s sentence. She is in protective custody pending trial on identical allegations as her son.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | November 18, 2023 |
| Attempted Destination | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Charges | First‑degree murder, conspiracy, solicitation |
| Custody Status (June 2025) | Leon County Jail, protective custody |
| Motions Filed | Change of venue (February 2025), delay motions (April 2025) |
Flight preparations and cash concealment are discussed in jail calls. Her defence team claims pre-trial publicity affected jurors, leading to venue change proceedings on July 2, 2025.
Family Profiles
Harvey Adelson
- Born: August 22, 1946
- Role: Retired dentist; founder of the Adelson Institute for Aesthetics and Implant Dentistry (sold August 2021).
- 2014 Earnings: Approx. $450,000 from practice operations.
- Legal Status: Uncharged; named as co‑conspirator in indictment documents.
Wendi Adelson
- Born: February 5, 1975
- Role: Attorney and former clinical law professor at Florida State University.
- 2014 Earnings: Approx. $180,000 salary plus consulting fees.
- Legal Status: Not charged; alleged beneficiary of custody outcome.
Robert Adelson
- Born: June 10, 1978
- Role: Board‑certified physician practicing internal medicine in Miami‑Dade County.
- 2014 Earnings: Approx. $350,000.
- Status: Estranged; no involvement in legal matters.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 18, 2014 | Murder of Daniel Markel in Tallahassee, Florida. |
| November 12, 2014 | Arrests of two hired operatives in Miami. |
| January 12, 2022 | Charles Adelson indicted on 12 counts. |
| November 13, 2023 | Trial of Charles Adelson commences. |
| December 5, 2023 | Life sentence imposed on Charles Adelson. |
| November 18, 2023 | Donna Sue Adelson arrested at Miami Airport. |
| February 12, 2024 | Charles transferred to Lake City prison. |
| June 1, 2025 | Donna’s venue‑change hearing pending. |
FAQ
Who is Charles Adelson?
A South Florida periodontist, Charles Adelson, was sentenced to life without parole in December 2023 for arranging a 2014 murder-for-hire plan.
Why was the 2014 murder committed?
The reason was a bitter custody battle for his sister’s children after her divorce.
Where is Charles Adelson imprisoned?
His prison is Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida.
Donna Sue Adelson faces what charges?
Donna is accused with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation of murder in a single scheme.
When was Charles Adelson’s trial?
His trial, which began on November 13, 2023, ended with a guilty conviction on October 31, 2023.
Does Charles Adelson appeal his conviction?
The notice of appeal was submitted on January 15, 2024, and is still pending.
Family net worth in 2014?
As of July 2014, the Adelson family had approximately $8.1 million in financial assets.
Is Adelson family reconciliation possible?
No, as of June 2025, Robert Adelson still estranged and has not publicly reconciled.
