TALLAHASEE, FL — On Wednesday, February 26th, Donna Adelson, the woman accused in the killing of her former son-in-law returned to court for a bond hearing. Adelson took to the stand for her freedom. She is facing charges in the death of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel. Markel was killed outside of his Betton Hills home in 2014.
"I felt a hand go up my back," said Adelson.
She described assaults she says she has experienced in jail.
"(Someone came up behind) pulled my left hand away from the sink and twisted my arm and jerked it behind my back," said Adelson.
She didn't name the inmates. She says 'you don't snitch because you'll be sorry.' Adelson says the inmate demanded she get commissary packages for her with food inside.
"Just put it in your shirt and I'll meet you in the bathroom," said Adelson.
She also talked about her medical issues and how she needs better care.
While she made her case for bond, the prosecution argued that she was a flight risk. You may remember Adelson was arrested at a Miami airport in 2023. Prosecutors said she was planning to take a flight to Vietnam. The judge in this case is also deciding whether a wiretap statement should be admitted into court.
Those calls were between Adelson and her son Charlie when he was in the Leon County Jail.
The hearing lasted just over three hours. The Judge will make their decision at a later time.
In November 2023 a grand jury in Leon County indicted Adelson for the murder of FSU Law Professor, Dan Markel.
Adelson faces charges including, Murder-First Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Solicitation to Commit Murder.
Earlier this month her defense team asks judge tore-depose three witnesses.
Her trial begins in June.
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