News Summary
A wealthy South Florida matriarch has been found guilty of murder related to the 2014 shooting of her former son-in-law, a law professor. This incident and conviction have reignited discussions surrounding the emotional turmoil and extreme actions that can arise during contentious custody disputes. In Tallahassee, crime rates are notably up, and a local sports victory brings some positive news amidst serious concerns in the community.
Tallahassee – A wealthy matriarch from South Florida has been convicted of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of her former son-in-law, a prominent law professor. The shooting incident occurred in 2014 during a contentious custody battle involving the professor and his ex-wife.
The conviction was handed down amidst findings that highlight the complicated and emotional dynamics that often surround custody disputes. The law professor’s death not only marked a tragic loss for his family but also garnered significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, which sparked discussions about the lengths to which individuals may go when embroiled in bitter legal battles.
Mary Anne Roberts Dawson, a notable figure in Tallahassee’s educational landscape as a co-founder of Annsworth Academy, passed away on September 2, 2025, at the age of 100. Her influence on the local community is remembered fondly, especially in educational circles where she made a lasting impact.
In other news, Tallahassee is facing a troubling increase in crime rates, particularly in robberies, as reported by local crime expert Steve Stewart. The rise in criminal activity is being closely monitored as city officials seek solutions to these emerging issues. The Leon County School Board had a recent meeting on August 26, 2025, discussing various topics including school performance, enrollment statistics, and tax initiatives aimed at bolstering educational funding.
The local sports scene also showed vibrant activity with high school volleyball matches where teams such as Chiles, Middleburg, Lincoln, and Maclay achieved significant victories against their opponents, showcasing the competitive spirit of local athletes.
On a different note, the federal government has found itself involved in a legal battle over an immigrant-detention center in the Everglades. A federal appeals-court panel recently sided with the DeSantis and Trump administrations, effectively putting a hold on a lower judge’s ruling that would lead to the dismantling of the controversial facility.
Florida’s economy also faces challenges, particularly in its citrus industry, which has reported a significant land loss of approximately 208,183 acres, a decline of 24% from the previous year. This downturn has raised concerns regarding the sustainability and future viability of the sector.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee to address concerns over high turnover rates at the CDC, as the department grapples with ongoing public health challenges. Additionally, the Justice Department is actively investigating Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations related to mortgage fraud, further highlighting the legal scrutiny facing public officials.
In a surprising event, the Tallahassee Police Department made a public arrest of Jermell Jones, an employee associated with the Chuck E. Cheese mascot, who was apprehended for three felonies related to stolen credit cards. The police initially attempted to make the arrest discreetly, but due to resistance, the arrest was conducted in public view. Authorities discovered a stolen credit card in Jones’s possession at the time of his apprehension. He faces charges including theft of a credit card and criminal use of personal identification before being released on bond following his booking at the Leon County Jail.
In crime-related news, authorities reported the arrest of two teenagers involved in the shooting death of a 17-year-old during a robbery attempt at Leon Arms Apartments on August 21. Sixteen-year-old Kory Hill is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm, while 18-year-old Kino Thompson, arrested earlier by U.S. Marshals, faces similar charges. The investigation continues as law enforcement urges anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
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Trial Delayed for Donna Adelson in 2014 Murder Case
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee: Chuck E. Cheese Arrest
- Wikipedia: Crime in Florida
- Tallahassee: Two Arrested in Fatal Shooting
- Google Search: Leon Arms Apartments shooting
- Tallahassee: Donna Adelson Trial Updates
- Google Scholar: Legal Battles in Custody Disputes
- Tallahassee: Police Probe Teen’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- Tallahassee: Drop in Murders
- Google News: Tallahassee crime rates
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
