The accused mastermind in the murder-for-hire of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel will stay behind bars in Leon County until his trial.
Charlie Adelson is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. He’s accused of hiring hitmen to kill Markel, who was embroiled in a custody dispute with Adelson’s sister. Markel was shot as he sat in his car in his Betton Hills garage in July of 2014.
Adelson was at a hearing this morning to determine whether he should be released on bond. Circuit Judge Robert Wheeler said no.
“The court will not exercise its discretion to release the defendant due to the nature of the crimes,” Wheeler said. “I find that he is a danger to the community. I additionally find that he is a substantial flight risk based on the evidence that’s been presented.”
The judge cited an undercover recording taken at a Miami Beach restaurant in 2016 that was recently enhanced.
“Particularly concerning is his statement in the Dolce Vita (restaurant) video about getting to the airport if there was any evidence. But there's also other evidence that he is a substantial flight risk,” Wheeler said. “Therefore, the court will continue to hold him ‘no bond’ at this point.”
The two hitmen are in prison, along with Adelson’s ex-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua. She was convicted of murder for being the contact between Adelson and the hitmen, Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia.
No trial date has been set, but it’s expected to be early next year. Another case hearing will be held in December.
