RECAP: Charlie Adelson will serve life in prison for 2014 murder of Dan Markel

Charlie Adelson, the wealthy Fort Lauderdale periodontist who financed and help plan the 2014 hit on his former brother-in-law, Dan Markel, was sentenced today in a Leon County courtroom.

Adelson, 47, was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation on Nov. 6 following an eight-day trial that featured voluminous wire taps and other secretly recorded conversations implicating him in the murder. Jurors returned guilty verdicts in just three hours.

He faced a mandatory life sentence on the first-degree murder charge. Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett imposed his sentence after hearing victim impact statements from Markel's family. Dan Markel's father, Phil Markel of Canada, spoke via Zoom.

His sentencing comes less than 24 hours after his mother, Donna Adelson, pleaded not guilty in the Markel murder during her arraignment Monday before Everett.

Charlie Adelson was convicted and Donna Adelson is accused in the fatal shooting July 18, 2014, of Markel, their former in-law, in the garage of his Trescott Drive home in Tallahassee. It happened as Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, Charlie’s younger sister and Donna’s daughter, were feuding over custody of their two sons after an acrimonious divorce.

Watch the livestream above and read below for live updates from the courtroom.

Dan Markel's father speaks about the loss of his son

Phil Markel said the day his son Dan Markel was born was the one of the best days of his life. Dan Markel was a "vibrant" and "fun-loving" person who always trying to live life to the fullest. At the age of 13, he said, Dan made it his dream to go to Harvard University. Years of hard work led to the fulfillment of that dream.

He published books and articles and presented at universities around the world. His accomplishments presented him with the opportunity to be a tenured law professor at Florida State University before the age of 41, which Phil Markel said was very unusual.

Dan Markel's two sons were the joy of his life, and he always made a point to bring them to family gatherings in Canada, where he originally was from. Even being countries apart, Phil Markel said he and his son grew closer.

"Dan's life was abruptly cut short and he was forever taken from me, his boys and the rest of his family and his many friends and colleagues," Markel said. "I am constantly reminded of Dan's murder and his absence ... It is difficult to put into the words the hideous acts that took Danny away."

Phil Markel said they hardly get to see his grandsons, which is hard on them, and he believes the boys have been "brainwashed" about the truth of their father's murder.

As he closed, Phil Markel said he felt the maximum punishment should be given.

"The wheels of justice turn very, very slowly, but right now we're grateful that they're still turning," he said. "Thank you, today is a good day."

Charlie Adelson says he's innocent

"I would just like to say that I maintain my innocence," Charlie Adelson said.

Circuit Judge Stephen Everett sentences Charlie Adelson

Circuit Judge Stephen Everett sentenced Charlie Adelson to life in prison with no possibility of parole or probation on the count of first-degree murder. He was also sentenced a consecutive 30 years for both the charges of solicitation and conspiracy.

Adelson will be serving the maximum punishment on all three counts.

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Charlie Adelson will serve life in prison in the murder of Dan Markel