News Summary
Two significant murder trials are set to commence in Florida, involving Daniel Spencer and his estranged wife, Chloe, who are charged with the murder of Spencer’s stepdaughter, Melissa. Meanwhile, Donna Adelson faces trial for the murder of her ex-son-in-law, Dan Markel, amid complicated family dynamics. Both cases highlight the intersection of familial ties, grief, and violence, raising pressing questions about justice and the legal system’s response to such tragedies.
Tallahassee, Florida – Two high-profile murder trials in Florida have been scheduled, drawing significant public interest due to the family ties involved in both cases. Daniel Spencer is set to stand trial on November 10 for the murder of his stepdaughter, Melissa “Missy” Mogl,e. Charges against Spencer include first-degree murder, and state prosecutors have indicated their intent to seek the death penalty. Meanwhile, his estranged wife, Chloe, is also charged with first-degree murder in connection with the same case and is scheduled for trial on the same date.
The court will address both cases on October 8, when Daniel Spencer is expected to return to court to present his request to represent himself. Spencer initially sought a speedy trial, suggesting dates around the Christmas holiday. He faces serious allegations, having been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly smothering and beating Missy, as well as binding her hands.
Melissa Mogl,e was found unresponsive on May 19 at their home and was pronounced dead at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. Upon the arrival of the Tallahassee Police Department, her grandfather, Robert Frable, was reportedly administering CPR. Frable has since been charged with failure to report child abuse amidst the ongoing investigations.
In a separate case, Donna Adelson is charged with the murder of her former son-in-law, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, who was shot twice in the head while in his car on July 18, 2014. This incident occurred during a contentious custody dispute with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson. Donna’s trial follows prior convictions of four co-conspirators related to the murder-for-hire scheme, including her son Charles.
If convicted, Donna Adelson faces a potential life sentence. The prosecution asserts that she purportedly orchestrated the murder in an effort to support her daughter in the custody conflict over her grandsons. Text messages sent by Donna to her son on the night of the killing will be presented as evidence in her trial.
The murder plot involved hired assassins, with Charles Adelson and Katherine Magbanua identified as key figures in facilitating the plan. Law enforcement’s investigation included an undercover sting by the FBI, which ultimately led to Donna Adelson’s arrest in November 2023 at Miami International Airport.
Wendi Adelson, the victim’s ex-wife, is not expected to testify against her mother during the current trial proceedings. This development adds complexity to the ongoing legal battle surrounding Markel’s murder and the resultant familial implications.
These cases highlight the dire consequences of familial ties intertwined with grief and violence, raising questions about justice and the impact of such relationships within the legal system. Both trials are anticipated to garner substantial attention as they unfold in the coming months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leon County Investigates Multiple Deaths and Homicides
Donna Adelson’s Murder Trial Begins Amid Family Feuds
Big Bend Cold Case Task Force Launches New Website
Tragic Shooting on University Campus Claims Lives
FSU Student to Stand Trial for Campus Shooting
FSU Student Faces Trial for Deadly Campus Shooting
Court Upholds Life Sentence of Katherine Magbanua in Markel Murder Case
Additional Resources
- WTXL: Juror Reveals Verdict Details in Donna Adelson Trial
- Tallahassee: Donna Adelson Found Guilty in Dan Markel Murder
- CNN: Donna Adelson Murder Trial Overview
- National Jurist: Donna Adelson Guilty in Dan Markel’s Murder
- Tallahassee: Opinion on Donna Adelson Trial and Family Dynamics
- Wikipedia: Donna Adelson
- Google Search: Dan Markel Murder Trial
- Google Scholar: Dan Markel Murder Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dan Markel
- Google News: Dan Markel Murder
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.
