A Florida dentist has been arrested for allegedly hiring assassins to kill his sister’s ex-husband.
On Thursday, U.S marshals arrested 45-year-old Charles Adelson at his home on charges that he paid two hitmen eight years ago to kill his sister’s ex-husband, CBS News reports. The news outlet says that the slain man was a well-known law professor at Florida State University; he was killed in his Tallahassee home on July 18, 2014.
Adelson is accused of taking Markel’s life so he could move from Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale with his sister’s two children. Prosecutors reportedly suspected that Adelson and other family members of killing the victim following his death.
The 41-year-old professor was married to Adelson’s sister, Wendi Adelson. The two reportedly went through a heated divorce, including an incident in which Wendi was denied a request to have their children move to South Florida. The two shared joint custody.
Adelson’s plot was exposed after technicians were able to enhance the sound of an April 2016 recorded video conversation he had with his then-girlfriend. The two allegedly discussed Markel’s murder. Markel was shot multiple times in his home.
Now, Adelson has been charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder. He’s currently being held at the Broward County jail. Markel’s family responded to news of Adelson’s arrest. The two hitmen have also been arrested.
“The Markel Family is deeply grateful to the State Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and all members of law enforcement for their tireless pursuit of justice. Nearly eight years after Danny’s tragic murder, these dedicated public servants continue to fight to honor Danny’s memory and to hold accountable all those responsible for his horrific death. On behalf of Danny’s family and friends in the Tallahassee community and all over the world, thank you.”
