WATCH LIVE: Opening statements made in Charlie Adelson murder trial, witnesses called

Opening statements were made Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in a Leon County courtroom for the trial against Charlie Adelson, accused of orchestrating one of Tallahassee’s most shocking crimes — the murder-for-hire killing of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel.

Charlie Adelson, who turns 47 next week, faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation for allegedly hiring the two hit men from Miami who stalked and killed Markel, his former brother-in-law, nearly a decade ago. Those two people, one a Latin Kings gang leader, the other his best friend, along with the woman who connected them to Adelson, have already been convicted and sent to prison for his murder.

Opening arguments recap: Defense says ex-girlfriend was murder 'mastermind'

After three days of jury selection, the prosecution and defense agreed Wednesday afternoon on the makeup of the 15-person jury.

Following opening statements made by the prosecution and defense, witness testimony began Thursday morning.

The latest and legal analysis: What we learned from jury selection, first witnesses called

Prosecution's opening statements

Assistant State Attorney Sarah Dugan lays out Florida’s case.

Defense's opening statements

Following the prosecution’s opening statements, Charlie Adelson's attorney Daniel Rashbaum gives his opening.

Charlie Adelson trial

FSU professor Dan Markel's killing: Everything to know about the murder-for-hire case

Dan Markel murder: Walkthrough of witnesses making the case for, against Charlie Adelson

GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE: The Tallahassee Democrat will livestream each day of the trial of Charlie Adelson from the courthouse in Tallahassee. Watch on Tallahassee.com and the Tallahassee Democrat's Facebook and YouTube pages. For best viewing experience: Download the Tallahassee Democrat app to watch and receive text alerts on when to watch – from opening arguments to the verdict.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: WATCH LIVE: Opening statements, first witness in Charlie Adelson trial