Adelson Appeals for New Trial at Florida Court of Appeals

Charlie Adelson, serving life for Dan Markel's murder, seeks retrial at state's appellate court

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Charlie Adelson, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the 2014 murder-for-hire of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, has appealed for a new trial at the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, Florida. Adelson's appellate lawyer, Michael Ufferman, presented arguments to a panel of three judges, while the state was represented by assistant attorney general Robert Charles Lee.

Why it matters

This appeal represents Adelson's latest attempt to overturn his conviction for Markel's murder, a high-profile case that garnered national attention. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for Adelson's future and the closure of the Markel case for his family and the broader community.

The details

Adelson was found guilty in 2019 of orchestrating the murder of his former brother-in-law, Dan Markel, in 2014. Markel was shot and killed in the driveway of his Tallahassee home. Prosecutors alleged that Adelson hired a pair of hitmen to carry out the murder due to an ongoing family dispute. Adelson is currently serving a life sentence in a South Dakota prison, where he was transferred due to security concerns. In this latest appeal, Adelson's lawyer argued that there were issues with the original trial, including the admission of certain evidence and the jury selection process.

  • The appeal hearing took place on February 3, 2026 at the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, Florida.
  • Adelson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for the 2014 murder of Dan Markel.

The players

Charlie Adelson

The defendant who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating the 2014 murder-for-hire of Dan Markel, his former brother-in-law.

Michael Ufferman

The appellate lawyer representing Charlie Adelson in his appeal for a new trial.

Robert Charles Lee

The assistant attorney general representing the state of Florida in opposing Adelson's appeal for a new trial.

Dan Markel

The Florida State University law professor who was murdered in 2014, allegedly at the behest of his former brother-in-law Charlie Adelson.

First District Court of Appeals

The Florida state appellate court hearing Adelson's appeal for a new trial, comprised of Judges Thomas Winokur, Lori Rowe, and M. Kemmerly Thomas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The First District Court of Appeals is expected to issue a ruling on Adelson's appeal in the coming months.

The takeaway

This high-profile appeal represents Adelson's latest attempt to overturn his conviction for the murder of Dan Markel, a case that has captivated the Tallahassee community and the nation. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for Adelson's future and the closure of the Markel case.