Kumari Shreya
In murder cases, the victim’s loved ones often try their best not only to get justice but also to find some semblance of peace after the tragic event. The same holds true for Ruth and Phil Markel, who continue to mourn their only son, Dan Markel, following his death in July 2014. Over a decade later, the parents finally have answers as 5 individuals have been convicted of being responsible for the crime, with the latest verdict coming in 2025. The case is covered in ABC’s ’20/20: First Divorced Then Dead,’ NBC’s ‘Dateline: Family Matters,’ as well as ABC’s ‘Welcome to the Family: The Murder of Dan Markel,’ and shares valuable insights into the lives of those involved.
Ruth and Phil Markel Always Supported Their Children
Ruth and Phil Markel became proud parents to Daniel “Dan” Eric Markel on October 9, 1972. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, but he grew up in Toronto, Ontario, alongside his sister Shelly Markel. They were always a tight-knit group, so of course, the news of Dan’s murder was a massive blow to them all. “From the day I learned of Dan’s death, I experienced a life sentence,” Ruth said in 2019. “Dan’s murder will continue to torment me for the rest of our lives.”
For Ruth, Dan was a man with few flaws, given his dedication towards his family, whether they were based in Canada, the US, or Israel. While she was proud of everything he achieved as a student, a lawyer, and a law professor, she was most delighted to see him as a loving, devoted father to his two sons. Dan’s 2013 divorce from Wendi Adelson certainly was not a happy moment for the family, but they did try to move on before tragedy struck in the form of Dan’s murder. After all, what mattered most to them was the fact that they were all still close, safe, and tight-knit, that is, until they weren’t.
Phil and Ruth Markel Want Desperately to Have a Normal Relationship With Their Grandchildren
Apart from the grueling legal processes and trials that the Markels have attended since Dan’s homicide, their biggest source of pain has been their lack of a connection with their grandsons. That’s because the Adelsons reportedly blocked all their attempts to reach out after 2014, either canceling calls at the last moment or stopping them from visiting. The grandparents once even admitted in an interview that, although they keep trying to extend an olive branch and often send their grandkids gifts, all they receive in return is a two-word thank-you e-mail at most. According to records, Wendi also changed both of her sons’ last names from Markel to Adelson, a move that further upset her former in-laws.
Over the years, Ruth and Phil have fought hard not only to get their son the justice they believe he deserves but also to reunite with their grandchildren. In September 2022, the state of Florida passed a law informally called the Markel Act, which enables grandparents to request visitation rights to a child/children if a parent is convicted of a felony. While this requirement does not necessarily apply here, since Wendi has never been arrested, charged, or convicted in Dan’s case, it gave the couple some hope after her brother and mother were convicted in 2023 and 2025, respectively. Since then, according to the ABC documentary series, although a line of communication has been opened between them and their grandchildren, they hope to expand it much further.
Ruth and Phil Markel Are Glad Justice Has Been Served in Their Son’s Case
A total of five people have been convicted in connection with Dan’s 2014 homicide as of writing. The first sentencing was that of Luis Rivera, which took place on October 4, 2016. He had entered a plea deal and admitted to the charge of murder, leading to a 19-year sentence in prison. This was followed by Sigfredo Garcia being found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy on October 11, 2019, leading to a life sentence plus an additional 30 years in prison. Next came the conviction of Katherine “Katie” Magbanua, who once dated Charles “Charlie” Adelson (Wendi Adelson’s brother). She was found guilty on May 27, 2022, of first-degree murder, conspiracy to kill, and solicitation, for which she was eventually given one life sentence and two 30-year terms.
Charlie Adelson was found guilty on the same charges as his former partner on November 6, 2022, though his sentence was announced on December 12, 2023. Finally, there was Donna Adelson, Wendi’s mother, who was arrested in 2023 at Miami International Airport while trying to flee the country – she had a one-way ticket to Vietnam. She was found guilty of the same three charges after 14 days of testimonies and 3 hours of deliberations on September 5, 2025, before being sentenced in October 2025. Both the mother-son duo were handed life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, plus an additional 30 years each for conspiracy and solicitation.
During Donna’s sentencing hearing, Ruth said, “My son Dan’s life was cut tragically short at 41 years old. For 11 years, we have been forced to a life filled with unimaginable pain and heartbreak. Dan’s father, Phil, and sister, Shelly, share in this unending sorrow.” Then, she said, “It is a murder of grief, a murder of selfishly prioritizing one’s own desires over what is just or right. And at its core, this was a murder of convenience so that one grandmother could live closer to her grandchildren. She killed their father and ripped the children from the other grandparents’ lives.” On the other hand, Phil candidly asked Donna if she believed her actions were worth the consequences.
Ruth and Phil Markel Are Trying Their Best to Move Forward in Life
As for Ruth and Phil’s current standing, from what we can tell, they are still based in Toronto, Ontario, in Canada, and hope that their grandchildren can soon join them there. The convictions have certainly helped them feel as if justice has been served at least on some level, but it is not closure for them. After all, nothing will bring their son back to them, so they are now just doing their best to move on while keeping his memories alive in their heart.
Another reason they want to be close to their grandchildren is to keep their son’s legacy alive and ensure that they, too, can know who their father really was. Ruth, who has been a writer since the 1980s while also serving as an advocate and a consultant, published a book on September 20, 2022, titled ‘The Unveiling: A Mother’s Reflection on Murder, Grief, and Trial Life.’ It explores her life and her thoughts regarding her son’s death. We should also mention that while Phil is retired, Shelly Markel is keeping the family name alive as the Founder of Markel Impact Consulting in Toronto. She is not only an MBA graduate but also a lawyer and a certified corporate board member of her firm.
Read More: Wendi Adelson: Where is Dan Markel’s Ex-Wife Now?
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