UPDATE 4:40 P.M.
ABC 27 received a statement from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP partners Orin Snyder and Matt Benjamin on behalf of Ruth and Phil Markel.
"Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the brutal murder of our beloved son Dan Markel. Dan was a brilliant scholar, a loving son and brother and, most importantly, an adoring and devoted father to his two young boys.
It has taken a tremendous collective effort to keep Danny’s memory alive and to bring his killers to justice.
We are deeply grateful to the countless supporters – family and friends, colleagues and students, advisors and clergy, in Tallahassee and across the world – who have traveled this painful road alongside us. In the face of the darkest tragedy and grief, they have helped us remain hopeful.
Our respect for law enforcement – for their commitment to justice, to accountability, and to truth – is endless. We are so grateful for their unflagging dedication and support.
As the years have passed, the media – print, television, podcast, and social – have played an important role in reminding everyone who Danny was and why his life mattered.
While nothing will ever repair the hole torn in our hearts when Danny was stolen from us, we appreciate all those near and far who have joined our family in seeking justice, and in keeping Danny's blessed memory alive.
With deepest love and gratitude,
The Markel Family"
ORIGINAL STORY:
- Thursday, July 18, 2024, marks 10 years since FSU Law Professor, Dan Markel, was shot in the driveway of his Betton Hills home.
- A decade later, friends have launched the Dan Markel Memorial Prize in criminal law theory to honor the future students and scholars.
- Watch the video above to hear from those who knew Markel as they reflect on the last 10 years.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Neighbors remember Florida State Law Professor Dan Markel 10 years after he was murdered in his Betton Hills home. I'm Kendall Brandt in the Midtown Neighborhood.
It's a crime that shook our neighborhoods and the lives of Markel's friends and family in 2014. Ten years later, I'm sitting down with a close friend who wants to make sure Markel's memory is not forgotten.
WATCH ARCHIVE VIDEO FROM THE NEWS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING AN ARREST IN THE CASE:
Jeremy Cohen says he misses his friend Dan Markel.
Kendall: "It's been 10 years. Does it feel it's been that long?"
Jeremy Cohen/Friend of Dan Markel "I can remember him like it was yesterday, but it does feel like a long time since that happened."
He is talking about July 18th, 2014 when two hit men shot the FSU Law Professor in the garage of his home on Trescott Drive.
Cohen: "I definitely couldn't believe it. I had a lot of questions, I called his phone and left a voicemail. I saw him in the hospital sadly right before he passed."
Cohen and his wife Tracey met Dan through mutual friends and lived down the street.
Cohen: "Our friendship grew as we grew as parents, our kids went to the same preschool together." Cohen says Dan knew a lot of people throughout Tallahassee.
Cohen: "He was a gatherer of people. He liked to have Shabat dinner at his house and gathered people from all corners of the community." That's how colleague and friend Jason Solomon also remembers Dan.
Solomon: "Dan was really someone who was big on connection people both professionally and personally, so he really brought together people who were starting their careers as law professors." Solomon is a part of the group Justice for Dan, pushing for accountability for his death and helping his family get access to their two grandchildren.
WATCH VIDEO OF THE MEMORIAL MARKING FIVE YEARS SINCE MARKEL'S MURDER:
Solomon says they are doing something to honor him 10 years later. "We launched the Dan Markel Memorial Prize in Criminal Law theory to honor the future students and scholars who are thinking hard about the purposes of the criminal justice system."
A world of criminal justice that now is working for Markel after his murder. Four people have been convicted for their role in his death...including his ex-brother-in-law Charlie Adelson.
It's a case criminal defense attorney Tim Jansen says we may not be where we are without the help of a next-door neighbor. "That neighbor identified a car like a Prius. That helped the FBI locate vehicles in the neighborhood through cameras that matched that description."
Donna Adelson, Markel's ex-mother-in-law, is in jail right now awaiting trial. Prosecutors say she conspired with her son Charlie to kill Markel.
WATCH BODY CAMERA VIDEO SHOWING DONNA ADELSON'S ARREST:
Cohen says he is glad to see the state attorney's office working to get justice for Markel.
"We went for a long time without answers and not knowing who was behind it, so here we are, 10 years later, five people are behind bars. Justice moves slowly but I'm thankful it's moved to where we are today."
Donna Adelson, Markel's ex-mother in law charged with murder, is making her next court appearance on Monday. She pleaded not guilty in December of 2023.
