Dateline NBC The family matriarch’s defense. A landmark decision in the Gilgo Beach murders case. And a mom hits the road seeking justice.
Sep 4, 2025
Dive into the gripping defense of a Florida grandmother accused of conspiracy in a murder case. Explore the groundbreaking DNA evidence emerging in the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation, setting a pivotal stage for justice. A determined mother embarks on a road trip to raise awareness for her daughter's unsolved murder, shedding light on the emotional turmoil families face. Plus, discover updates on various true crime cases, from a haunting homicide incident at Burning Man to the resilience of families seeking closure.
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Arrest At Airport After Son’s Conviction
- Donna Adelson was arrested at a Miami airport with a one-way ticket to Vietnam after her son Charlie's conviction.
- Friends testified the trip was planned as temporary and they intended to return for a family bar mitzvah.
Friends Describe Donna’s Distress
- Friends Anne Cunningham and Ron Gutterson testified Donna was distraught and worried about her daughter Wendy and grandchildren after Dan Markell was shot.
- They presented this as inconsistent with someone who wanted Markell dead and explained travel plans as intending to return.
Travel Expert Says He Suggested One-Way
- Richard Chagrin said he helped the Adelsons buy plane tickets and suggested one-way fares because round-trip was only slightly more expensive.
- He testified it was his travel expertise, not guilt, that led to the one-way booking suggestion.