Matriarch vs. Daughter?! | Donna Defense Shades Wendi! - Adelson Trial Opening Statements

Hidden True Crime

True Crime, Documentary, News, Society & Culture, News Commentary

4.6 • 2.5K Ratings

🗓️ 24 August 2025

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

The trial of Donna Adelson is finally underway. Prosecutors say the 75-year-old matriarch helped orchestrate the murder of FSU law professor Dan Markel, her former son-in-law, in a bitter custody battle. In opening statements, the state painted Donna as a controlling mastermind—while the defense insisted she’s being scapegoated for her son Charlie’s crime. Witnesses, crime scene photos, and even Dan’s neighbor’s chilling 911 call set the tone for Day 1. And in a stunning twist, the defense pointed the finger at Wendi Adelson. Sponsors: Naked Wines: To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to http://NakedWines.com/HIDDEN and use code HIDDEN for both the code AND PASSWORD. Live It Up: Head to http://letsliveitup.com/hidden and use code HIDDEN for 15% off your first Super Greens order! About Hidden True Crime: What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	It starts with a swirl.
0:02.0	Rich warming pumpkin spice flavors, then a splash.
0:06.0	Hot freshly pulled espresso.
0:08.0	Starbucks signature, of course.
0:10.0	Whipped cream topping, a dusting of that cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove spice blend.
0:16.0	It ends with a sip.
0:18.0	Hot or iced.
0:20.0	Pumpkin spice latte. It's here, and pouring now at Starbucks
0:24.6	near you.
0:25.6	Hey, what can I get started for you?
0:27.6	Subject to availability while stocks last.
0:29.6	Friday marked the start of the highly anticipated trial of Donna Edelson, who stands accused of
0:36.6	conspiring to orchestrate the murder of her former
0:38.9	son-in-law and professor Dan Markell. And hidden to a crime plans to cover this trial with daily
0:44.3	recaps. You can get caught up with our full backstory into this case. It's linked in this episode
0:51.1	and in YouTube pinned comments.
0:59.8	The case stems from a bitter custody battle between Dan Markell and Donna's daughter,
1:07.1	Wendy Adelson. And at 75 years old, Donna faces the same charges that her son, Charlie Adelson, was found guilty of in the fall of 2023. The murder also involves two hitmen and a middleman, all of whom have already been convicted
1:16.5	in our serving time. Despite the convictions, prosecutors maintain that their investigation into the
1:21.9	Markell case is not complete. The state attorney's office asserts that Donna collaborated with her son in plotting the
1:30.2	killing, raising serious questions about the extent of her involvement. As the trial unfolds, we will
1:36.1	provide day-by-day updates keeping you informed on every development in this high-profile case.
	...

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