The Adelsons: STS Files

Mourning or Manipulating: Inside the Life of Wendi & The Adelsons Before the Murder for Hire Plot

The Adelsons: STS Files

Show Notes

Wendi Adelson is once again at the center of intense scrutiny as investigators and legal analysts revisit the timeline leading up to the murder-for-hire plot that killed Dan Markel. In this episode of the STS Podcast, we take a deeper look at Wendi Adelson, her family, and the dynamics inside the Adelson household before the shocking crime that became major true crime news.

The discussion explores the lives of Wendi Adelson, Donna Adelson, and Harvey Adelson prior to the alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy. Was the family simply dealing with a painful divorce and custody battle, or were there early signs of manipulation and planning? Analysts break down key moments, statements, and behaviors that investigators later examined after Dan Markel was tragically killed in 2014.

This episode also looks at how the case evolved from a complicated family dispute into one of the most closely followed real crime stories in recent years. The conversation connects the Adelson saga to broader themes seen across survivor stories, unresolved cold cases, and ongoing true crime news coverage that continues to unfold in courtrooms and investigations.

Key Points Covered:

The background of Wendi Adelson and her life before the murder-for-hire plot

The family dynamics within the Adelson household

The timeline leading up to the murder of Dan Markel

How investigators interpreted early behaviors and statements

Why the case remains a major focus in true crime news and real crime stories

Ongoing discussion on STS Podcast and the wider impact on survivor stories and cold cases

Other STS shows about Wendi:

Wendi's podcast: Https://www.youtube.com/live/irssrf72...

Wendi's book: Https://www.youtube.com/live/crcMXrLA...

Big thanks to @JuryDutyPodcast for sharing some of the clips included in this show.

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Surviving the Survivor is the show that brings you the #BestGuests in all of #TrueCrime and is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Host Joel Waldman. STS covers the biggest trending true crime cases along with breaking news. You can also find us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurvivingTheSurvivor

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More from The Adelsons: STS Files

Sep 29, 2026

The Donna Adelson appeal is bringing new attention to the Dan Markel murder case as her latest brief raises questions about what Wendi and Charlie Adelson knew and their roles in the family’s story. What is Donna’s legal team arguing, and what could these new claims mean for the Donna Adelson appeal? STS breaks down the latest filing and the questions it raises. Key Points: Donna Adelson’s new appeal brief References to Wendi and Charlie Adelson Key arguments raised by Donna’s defense team What the appeal could mean for Donna The Dan Markel murder and Adelson family connection Charlie Adelson’s separate appeal history What happens next in Donna’s appeal The Donna Adelson appeal adds another chapter to the long-running fight for justice in the Dan Markel case. Donna was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation and sentenced to life in prison; she continues to maintain her innocence while challenging her conviction. The latest brief has renewed attention on the Adelson family and the roles attributed to Wendi and Charlie. STS examines the legal arguments, the language surrounding the family, and what could come next as the appeal moves forward. Follow the sts podcast for true crime news, survivor stories, cold cases, and real crime stories.

Sep 21, 2026

The Adelson family documentary brings renewed attention to one of the most closely watched true crime cases in recent years. What’s new? What surprised us? And what does the documentary reveal about the Adelson family, the murder of Dan Markel, and the legal battles that followed? STS breaks down the biggest takeaways and what the Adelson family documentary could mean for the case moving forward. Key Points: What the Hulu documentary adds to the Adelson story New details and perspectives featured in the documentary The biggest surprises from the Adelson family Dan Markel’s murder and the investigation The legal fallout surrounding the Adelsons What the documentary could mean for the family and case The Adelson family documentary offers another look at the people, relationships, and events surrounding Dan Markel’s murder. In this episode, STS examines what stands out, what remains unanswered, and how the Adelson family documentary fits into the larger story. Follow the sts podcast for true crime news, survivor stories, cold cases, and real crime stories as we break down the latest developments.

Aug 21, 2026

Donna Adelson is fighting back with an appeal as new details emerge about her legal battle and her “emergency” behind bars. In this episode, STS breaks down Donna Adelson’s appeal, the latest court developments, and the circumstances surrounding her request for relief while in custody. What is behind Donna Adelson’s emergency, and could her appeal change what happens next in the Dan Markel murder case?

Jul 24, 2026

The Adelson case updates continue as lead prosecutor Georgia Cappleman and investigator Jason Newlin share new details about the Dan Markel murder-for-hire investigation. In this episode of the STS podcast, we break down the latest Adelson case updates, including new information about the Adelson family, the investigation, and what these developments could mean as the case moves forward. The Adelson case updates remain at the center of one of the biggest stories in true crime news.

Jul 11, 2026

The fight for Dan Markel justice continues as members of the Adelson family remain behind bars or face ongoing legal proceedings in the murder-for-hire case that shocked the nation. In this episode of the STS podcast, we examine the latest developments in the pursuit of Dan Markel justice, how the Markel family continues to honor Dan's legacy, and what legal battles may still lie ahead. The call for Dan Markel justice remains at the center of one of the biggest stories in true crime news.

See all episodes →