As a trial for the murder of Dan Markel continues in Tallahassee, Markel's mother, Ruth Markel is speaking out for victims and their families.
Dan Markel was murdered outside his home in 2014. His former brother-in-law, Charlie Adelson, is now standing trial and accused of masterminding Markel’s murder. During a book signing at Shomrei Torah, Ruth Markel discussed her new book, and what it feels like to be a victim in the justice system.
Ruth Markel is not only a mother, but an advocate and survivor. By sharing her story, she hopes to spread knowledge and comfort to other survivors. Markel says she’s struggled with grief since her son was shot and killed amid a bitter custody dispute with his ex-wife.
Markel told the audience at Shomrei Torah, that not only does she live without her son, but she carries fear and anxiety with her each day. She quoted a survivor from a mass shooting that she says encapsulates the way she feels.
"Nobody told me that living with PTSD could make life so difficult. No one told me that some days I would be so angry, or that I would be so afraid to love the house. And nobody warns you that you will be looking over your shoulder because this might happen again," Markel read.
Markel also spoke about her efforts to see her grandchildren. Thanks in part to her advocacy, the Florida legislature passed a law last year that allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation when one parent is found liable for the other parent’s death. While that’s not the case for Markel, she says she thinks the law put pressure on her ex-daughter in law, Wendi Adelson.
“Wendi saw that perhaps she should open the doors a little bit, which is actually what happened."
Markel says says she’s finally been able to have limited visitation with her grandkids.
