Dateline NBC The Adelson children take the stand. A missing woman's husband is arrested. And a deep dive on DNA.
Aug 28, 2025
Brad Davis, a seasoned Dateline producer, dives deep into the chilling testimony of Donna Adelson's children in a high-stakes murder trial. He reveals the complexities of familial ties and the challenges of prosecuting without a body. Meanwhile, the heartbreaking case of a missing woman sees her husband indicted for her murder, despite inquiries into his history of domestic violence. Davis also navigates the intricate world of DNA evidence, discussing its potential and pitfalls in solving such cases.
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Family Control And Unusual Reactions
- Rob Adelson described growing up with a controlling mother who micromanaged the family and intervened in his siblings' lives.
- He said Donna called him about Dan Markell's death but was unusually unemotional and later told him not to talk to law enforcement.
Case Hinges On Motive Over Direct Proof
- The prosecution frames Donna Adelson's alleged role around motive and family dynamics rather than direct physical evidence.
- The defense counters that there is no direct proof linking her to the crime, emphasizing theory over evidence.
Phone Calls After The Murder
- Rob recounted his phone call with Donna after Dan's killing and said she sounded detached, saying, "I don't care."
- He also testified that she later told him, "You don't know anything anyway," after he spoke to the FBI.
