TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The ongoing murder and conspiracy trial of Donna Adelson saw a significant turn on Friday, as two women who formed a friendship with her while incarcerated testified against her. This marked a pivotal moment in a case that has captivated public attention since the 2014 murder-for-hire of law professor Dan Markel.
Patricia Byrd took the stand and became the first to allege that Adelson confessed involvement in Markel’s murder. During her testimony, prosecutor Sarah Dugan queried whether Byrd had directly confronted Adelson about the accusations. Byrd affirmed, claiming Adelson admitted, “Yes, I did. It was to keep her grandkids. But it wasn’t supposed to go that far.”
Another inmate, Drina Bernhardt, recalled the camaraderie formed during their time together at the Leon County jail, where Adelson affectionately referred to her as “sunshine” and “jail daughter.” Bernhardt testified that their discussions often revolved around Adelson’s case.
The prosecution shared a written note from Adelson to Bernhardt, expressing well-wishes: “I hope your life will be filled with love, joy & flowers! You deserve only the best, because you ARE the best!” This revealed a more personal side of Adelson amidst the serious nature of the proceedings.
In her testimony, Bernhardt recounted how Adelson often discussed her grandchildren and even approached her about potentially testifying on her behalf. Bernhardt had previously interacted with Katherine Magbanua, who was convicted for her role in the murder conspiracy. She claimed that Adelson wanted her to state that Magbanua had extorted the family after Markel’s death.
The jury was shown a notebook containing a question and answer script allegedly in Adelson’s handwriting, which a handwriting expert later verified as hers. Bernhardt explained that Adelson had encouraged her to transcribe the script into her own notebook, promising compensation for doing so, which included food, phone time, and even a promise of “$10,000 and a grand piano.”
Bernhardt further claimed that Adelson had connections to a doctor who would help her obtain drugs upon release.
Adelson’s attorney, Josh Zelman, sought to undermine the credibility of both witnesses. He highlighted inconsistencies in Byrd’s previous statements, including her recollection of an investigator’s ethnicity. In cross-examination, he reminded Byrd of her earlier assertion that Adelson had not planned the murder, a point she conceded.
Zelman also challenged Bernhardt’s motives, noting that she faced a mandatory 15-year sentence unless she struck a deal, raising questions about the reliability of her account. He cast doubt on the authenticity of the written script, suggesting that Bernhardt had influenced Adelson to create it, a claim she refuted.
As the trial continues, the courtroom remains a focal point for those following the intricacies of this high-profile case.
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