Donna Adelson: STS Files

Joel Waldman
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  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED DAILY

The Adelson family of Miami has become one of the most infamous names in true crime after prosecutors revealed their shocking role in the murder-for-hire plot that claimed the life of their ex son-in-law Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. In July 2014, Markel was ambushed and gunned down in the driveway of his Tallahassee home, a crime investigator says this was orchestrated by the wealthy Adelson family, who hired hitmen to follow and kill him. The motive? A bitter custody battle and family feud that escalated into cold-blooded murder. This case has gripped the nation, exposing the dark side of power, money, and control—all under the shadow of a Miami family accused of going to deadly lengths to get what they wanted. The Matriarch Donna Adelson and her son, Charlie Adelson, are now both behind bars...but the road to Justice for Dan isn't over. Who is next?

  1. 12/23/2025

    Donna Adelson's Life in Homestead and NEW Details about Donna's Jail Life Before Transfer

    We explore Donna Adelson’s life in Homestead and the new details emerging about her time in jail before being transferred. In this episode, we cover the latest updates on Donna Adelson, including her daily routines, interactions, and conditions behind bars. From official reports to firsthand accounts, we break down what is known about her behavior and experiences prior to transfer. This episode provides a concise, fact-based look at Donna Adelson, her life before incarceration, and the latest developments in her story, giving listeners a clear picture of her current situation. Key Points Covered in This Episode Overview of Donna Adelson’s life in Homestead New details about her jail life prior to transfer Daily routines and interactions while incarcerated Official reports and firsthand accounts of her behavior Insights into conditions and treatment in the facility What the transfer may mean for her future A direct, factual update on Donna Adelson, highlighting her Homestead life and new information from her jail experience before transfer. Support the show & be a part of #STSNation: Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 35m

  2. 12/23/2025

    Donna Adelson TRANSFERRED! Inside Her New Life at Homestead Correctional

    Donna Adelson transferred—and her move to Homestead Correctional is raising new questions about her daily life behind bars. In this episode of Surviving The Survivor, we break down what it means that Donna Adelson transferred facilities, what her new environment looks like, and how this shift could impact her legal future. As Donna Adelson transferred to Homestead Correctional, attention turns to conditions, restrictions, and what comes next in this closely watched case dominating true crime news. We examine why the transfer happened, what inmates typically experience at Homestead, and how this change fits into the broader legal timeline. Experts weigh in on what life is really like inside the facility and what this move signals as the case continues. Key Points Covered in This Episode: Why Donna Adelson was transferred to Homestead Correctional What her new daily life may look like inside the facility Security level, housing conditions, and inmate routines How the transfer could affect legal strategy and access What this move suggests about next steps in the case Key questions still surrounding Donna Adelson’s future A clear update for listeners following real crime stories, true crime news, and survivor stories, delivered by the STS podcast, where cold cases and breaking developments intersect.   Support the show & be a part of #STSNation: Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 40m

  3. 12/23/2025

    Donna Adelson’s First Holiday in Prison: Former Inmates Reveal the Truth & Realities Behind Bars

    As the justice system tightens its grip on the Adelson family, Donna Adelson, Charlie Adelson, and three others are now behind bars for the murder of Florida State Professor Dan Markel—a case that continues to captivate the nation. For Donna, this marks her first holiday season in prison, facing the reality of a life sentence for her role in the murder-for-hire plot that shattered her own family and shocked Tallahassee.  In this STS episode, Emmy Award-winning host Joel Waldman is joined by #BestGuests, including formerly incarcerated women, who pull back the curtain on what really happens behind prison walls. They reveal what first-timers like Donna Adelson can expect—from housing units and daily routines to inmate politics and the emotional crash that hits hardest during the holidays. Our experts also detail what life looks like now for long-term inmates like Katherine “Katie” Magbanua, who has been living this reality for years.  We break down the psychological toll, the power struggles, the silence, the surveillance, and the stark difference between county jail and state prison.  If you follow the Adelson case, prison life realities, or major true-crime breakthroughs, you won’t want to miss this one.  You can support and help Drina get back on her feet here via an Amazon Wish List: Https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls... Support the show & be a part of #STSNation: Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 42m

  4. 12/22/2025

    The Mastermind: Was Donna Adelson Outsmarted Behind Bars?

    She was called the mastermind behind one of Florida’s most shocking murder-for-hire plots — the killing of FSU law professor Dan Markel. But now that Donna Adelson is serving life behind bars, insiders say the woman once known for controlling everyone around her may have finally lost control.  Welcome to Surviving the Survivor, the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime. In this STS episode, Emmy Award-winning Journalist Joel Waldman and Co-Host Karmela Waldman take a closer look inside Donna’s prison life — from her alleged manipulation tactics to what inmates and informants are now revealing about her behavior behind bars.  Did the woman accused of orchestrating her ex-son-in-law’s murder get played in prison? Or is Donna still pulling the strings?  STS continues to cover this case as it develops.  #JusticeforDanMarkel Support the show & be a part of #STSNation: Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 47m

  5. 12/22/2025

    The Adelsons: The Murder of Dan, the Mastermind & What Donna Said Behind Bars

    Two members of the wealthy Adelson family are now behind bars for the cold-blooded murder of Florida State law professor Dan Markel — but two others are still free.  Welcome to Surviving the Survivor, the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #truecrime. In this STS episode, Emmy Award-winning journalist Joel Waldman is joined by #BestGuests as they break down the case, the shocking family dynamics, and the growing speculation about who truly orchestrated the murder-for-hire plot that ended Dan Markel’s life.  Dan Markel was gunned down in his own garage seconds after pulling into his driveway in Tallahassee in 2014 — a crime that stunned the academic world and sparked a decade-long fight for justice. Now, with Donna and Charlie Adelson serving life sentences, the question remains: Will there be more arrests? And who is the real mastermind behind this dark and senseless murder?  Join us as we uncover the evidence, the motives, and the pursuit of #JusticeForDanMarkel. Support the show & be a part of #STSNation: Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 26m

  6. 12/22/2025

    Donna Adelson: Defense Team Files Notice of Appeal After Murder Conviction

    Donna Adelson is not giving up on her case. Just weeks after being sentenced to life in prison for the shocking murder of her ex–son-in-law, FSU law professor Dan Markel, Donna Adelson and her legal team filed a notice of appeal.  Welcome to Surviving The Survivor, the show that brings you the #Bestguests in all of #truecrime. In this STS episode, Emmy Award–Winning Journalist Joel Waldman is joined by #BestGuests as they break down Donna’s latest move—why she believes she didn’t get a fair trial, and what this could mean for the Adelson family moving forward. Or is this just another desperate attempt to avoid justice for Dan Markel or are there grounds for an appeal?  STS continues to follow this case as family, friends and the community keep hoping for more #justicefordanmarkel #BestGuests include:  Dave Aronberg, Former Palm Beach County State Attorney and State SenatorJo Potuto, Law ProfessorNeama Rahmani, Trial LawyerSupport the show & be a part of #STSNation: Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 17m

  7. 12/22/2025

    Donna Adelson’s Jailhouse Life: ‘Jailhouse Daughter’ Drina Bernhardt Talks Donna, the Trial & Jail

    For the first time since the Dan Markel murder trial, Donna Adelson’s “Jailhouse Daughter” — Drina Bernhardt — breaks her silence. In this exclusive STS interview, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Joel Waldman sits down with Drina as she opens up about her relationship with now convicted murderer Donna Adelson, what life was really like for Donna behind bars, and the startling things she heard about Dan's murder that stunned the nation.  Drina reveals never-before-heard details about Donna’s behavior in prison, her mindset post-conviction, and being connected to one of the most talked about true crime cases in America right now.  Join us for this powerful and revealing conversation — a rare inside look into Donna Adelson’s world behind bars, the truth about her relationships, and what Drina says really happened.  STS has covered the Dan Markel Murder trial for the last few years and will continue to follow and bring you the latest in #justicefordanmarkel #donnaadelson #truecrimecommunity #crimenews #newsupdate #charlieadelson #wendiadelson #justicefordanmarkel Support the show & be a part of #STSNation: Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 46m

  8. 12/22/2025

    Real, Raw and Unfiltered Truth About Prison Lifers Like Donna Adelson | Justice for Dan Markel

    What’s life really like for prison lifers — the convicted killers, the masterminds, the ones who will never walk free again? In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the real, raw, and unfiltered truth about what happens behind bars for inmates like Donna Adelson, who’s now serving life in prison for orchestrating the murder of her ex–son-in-law, FSU law professor Dan Markel.  Once living a life of luxury and control, Donna Adelson is now facing a stark new reality — from prison politics to daily survival, it’s a world few can imagine. But what really awaits lifers like her inside?  Join STS and Joel Waldman as we pull back the curtain on life without parole, exposing the harsh realities and untold truths that few dare to talk about in this one-one-one STS Special with John Debell.  #JusticeforDanMarkel #DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #TrueCrime #JusticeForDanMarkel #PrisonLife #Lifers Thanks for supporting the show and being a part of #STSNation!  Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 4m
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About

The Adelson family of Miami has become one of the most infamous names in true crime after prosecutors revealed their shocking role in the murder-for-hire plot that claimed the life of their ex son-in-law Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. In July 2014, Markel was ambushed and gunned down in the driveway of his Tallahassee home, a crime investigator says this was orchestrated by the wealthy Adelson family, who hired hitmen to follow and kill him. The motive? A bitter custody battle and family feud that escalated into cold-blooded murder. This case has gripped the nation, exposing the dark side of power, money, and control—all under the shadow of a Miami family accused of going to deadly lengths to get what they wanted. The Matriarch Donna Adelson and her son, Charlie Adelson, are now both behind bars...but the road to Justice for Dan isn't over. Who is next?

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