TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tallahassee is exactly one month away from finally finding out what happened to Dan Markel.
Trial will begin September 23 for Sigfredo Garcia and Katherine Magbanua, who're charged with his murder.
But on Friday, loved ones are fighting for justice for the Florida State law professor, in a different way.
It's called "Justice for Dan" and it extends a lot further than to efforts to find the person who killed him. His friend Jason Solomon started a petition for Markel's parents to see his children. And it couldn't have come at a better time.
When Dan Markel was shot and killed five years ago he left behind two boys, his parents and an ex-wife, Wendi Adelson. And since then, time hasn't been on his parents' side.
"The kids are getting older. For the boys to have the connection to their father's family and for Dan's family to have that connection to his sons," said Solomon.
Solomon, a former colleague and friend of Markel, says Markel's kids haven't seen their paternal grandparents in years, not since Wendi took full custody of the boys.
That's why he started this online petition, which has garnered more than 200 signatures so far, something Solomon says is encouraging.
"We're hoping that her friends in Tallahassee and her friends in South Florida will urge her to let Dan's parents see the kids," said Solomon.
And while the trial next month may finally give Markel's family some closure, Solomon says he hopes this petition puts pressure on Wendi.
"She has a long life ahead of her, she's going to have to rebuild her reputation professionally and personally and people are really watching to see what she does in these circumstances," said Solomon.
Leon County courts sent out jury summons this week for next month's trial. It's expected to last anywhere for three to six weeks.
Another man, Luis Rivera, is serving a seven-year sentence, after pleading guilty to second degree murder in connection to Markel's death.
