Former Wheel of Fortune Contestant Accused of Masterminding 2014 Murder Plot

Donna Adelson, seen in a booking photo in November 2023, stands accused of helping her son plot to murder her former son-in-law

Decades before she faced charges in a high-profile murder case, 75-year-old Donna Adelson appeared on Wheel of Fortune, cheerfully describing her devotion to family life. Today, she stands accused of orchestrating the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel, in what prosecutors allege was a carefully planned hit.

Markel, a law professor, was fatally shot in the driveway of his Tallahassee, Florida, home after being granted shared custody of his two preschool-aged children with ex-wife Wendi Adelson. Wendi had sought to move closer to her family but was blocked by a judge. Prosecutors claim this custody ruling set the stage for a deadly conspiracy involving Wendi’s brother, Charlie Adelson, his ex-girlfriend, and two hired gunmen.

Dan Markel was gunned down in the driveway of his Florida home in 2014

Charlie Adelson was convicted in November 2023 of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. His ex-girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, is serving a life sentence plus two 30-year terms for her role in arranging the killing. Gunman Sigfredo Garcia, the father of Magbanua’s children, is serving life, while his accomplice, Luis Rivera, received a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

Prosecutors allege Donna Adelson played a central role in plotting the murder. She was arrested in November 2023 while attempting to board a one-way flight to Vietnam, which authorities say was an effort to flee the country. Adelson maintains her innocence, but four convictions have already been secured in the case.

Years before being hit with murder charges, Adelson appeared on Wheel of Fortune

Her trial has been repeatedly delayed due to mental health concerns, with jury selection now scheduled for August 19. A pretrial hearing last week saw defense attorneys attempt to suppress evidence, including statements from jailhouse informants and details of her attempted international flight. The judge ruled the evidence admissible if introduced appropriately.

The resurfaced game show clip shows Adelson in 1986, introducing herself as a “domestic coordinator” responsible for the activities, classes, and lessons of her three children, then aged 10 to 16. At one point, she enthusiastically solved a puzzle by shouting “Mischief-maker,” a phrase now viewed in a darker light given the charges she faces.

Adelson's son Charlie was found guilty of plotting to murder his ex brother in law

The case continues to draw comparisons to other notorious crimes involving once-public figures, including the recent resurfacing of a Wheel of Fortune episode featuring convicted child killer Lori Vallow.

Adelson was arrested as she was boarding a one-way flight to Vietnam