Crime House Daily: First Watch

Episode: A Killer Grandma Convicted & NHL Players Are Acquitted

Host: Katie Ring
Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In the inaugural episode of Crime House Daily, host Katie Ring delivers rapid and thorough updates on two headline-grabbing cases:

• The dramatic conviction of Donna Adelson, a 73-year-old Florida grandmother at the center of a deadly murder-for-hire plot, and
• The acquittal of five NHL players in a high-profile Canadian sexual assault trial, as well as the NHL’s recent decision on their professional futures.

Katie's approach is equal parts detailed legal analysis and empathetic storytelling, drawing on her background as a true crime analyst, self-defense instructor, and victim advocate. The episode is fast-paced, immersive, and aims to give listeners the essential facts and nuances as these cases continue to evolve.

Segment 1: The Adelson Family Murder-for-Hire Saga

[Starts at 07:52]

Key Points and Timeline

• Background of the Adelson Family and the Custody Dispute

  • The Adelsons were a wealthy, close-knit Florida family, living a “charmed existence” in Fort Lauderdale.
  • Donna Adelson, the matriarch, was infuriated by her daughter Wendy’s inability to relocate her children due to custody arrangements with her ex-husband, Dan Markel, a law professor in Tallahassee.

• The Murder of Dan Markel ([10:16])

  • On July 18, 2014, Dan was ambushed and shot in his garage after dropping off his kids at preschool.
  • Police immediately suspected a targeted hit: “Dan’s murder was targeted. Nothing was stolen, and there was no sign of a struggle.”
  • The key break: a silver Prius at the scene traced to Catherine Magbanua, who was tied to Sigfredo Garcia (the gunman) and Luis Rivera (the getaway driver).

• Connections and Motive ([14:12])

  • Catherine Magbanua was dating Charlie Adelson, Wendy’s brother.
  • Detectives allege Catherine acted as a go-between, facilitating a plot orchestrated and bankrolled by Charlie to benefit his family.

• The FBI Sting ("The Bump") and Evidence ([15:50])

  • In 2016, the FBI’s “bump” sting targeted Donna Adelson, rattling her by suggesting the hitman’s family expected payment.

  • Donna immediately called Charlie, whose wiretapped phone conversation was “very suspicious,” but initially inconclusive.

    “Does it involve me, or other people?” – Charlie Adelson (16:30)

• Arrests and Testimonies ([18:41])

  • Sigfredo Garcia and Catherine Magbanua arrested in May 2016; Luis Rivera turns state’s witness in a plea deal, laying out the murder-for-hire scheme.
  • Both Sigfredo (the shooter) and Catherine (the facilitator) are convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

• Breakthrough Against Charlie Adelson ([20:24])

  • Enhanced FBI audio from 2016 captures Charlie saying:

    “If they had any evidence, we’d already be at the airport.” – Charlie Adelson, used as the “smoking gun” by prosecutors.

  • Charlie is arrested in 2022 and found guilty of first-degree murder and related charges in November 2023, sentenced to life.

• Donna Adelson’s Arrest and Trial ([22:19])

  • Just after her son’s conviction, Donna and her husband Harvey attempt to flee to Vietnam (a non-extradition country), but Donna is arrested at the airport.

  • Donna is tried and, after only three hours of jury deliberation, is found guilty and reacts violently in court:

    “The defendant is guilty of first degree murder … Mrs. Adelson, control yourself.” – Judge to Donna Adelson ([23:15])

• Family Fallout and Remaining Questions

  • Harvey Adelson remains free by Donna’s side, but uncharged.
  • Wendy Adelson, Dan’s ex-wife, is dogged by suspicion but claims no involvement.
  • The family is left shattered: “The only question now is how much further will they fall?” ([23:40])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A seemingly normal day for Dan Markell ... as he sat in his car, he was shot and ambushed... Fourteen hours later, Dan was pronounced dead. This is a story of how a 75-year-old woman, a wealthy family and a heated custody battle is to blame.” – Katie Ring ([01:00])

• “In their eyes, Dan is public enemy number one. He’s the one thing preventing them from all being together. And in a tragic turn of events, it’s not long before they get their way.” – Katie Ring ([09:30])

• “Describing her reaction as dramatic would be an understatement ... ‘Mrs. Adelson, control yourself.’” – Judge at Donna Adelson’s verdict ([23:15])

Segment 2: NHL Players Acquitted in Canadian Assault Case

[Starts at 34:00]

Key Points and Timeline

• Background: The Players and the 2018 Incident

  • Five players—Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dylan Dube, and Cal Foote—members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Team, are accused of sexual assault at a London, Ontario, gala.
  • Hockey Canada is embroiled in scandal after revelations it used player registration fees to quietly settle sexual assault claims for years.

• Details of the Alleged Assault ([36:10])

  • Katie recounts the night: Em (pseudonym, the complainant) meets Michael at a bar, returns to his hotel room where initial consensual sex occurs.
  • Afterward, Michael messages teammates (“who’s up for a three way quick?”), leading to a series of players entering the room.

• Consent Controversies and Video Evidence ([38:55])

  • Players filmed consent videos with Em, with her stating “I’m okay with this” and “I am so sober.”
  • Em’s mother calls police after finding her daughter in distress.
  • The original investigation is dropped, then quietly settled when Em sues for damages in 2022, which triggers renewed public attention and outrage.

• National Backlash & Legal Repercussions ([40:25])

  • Hockey Canada loses sponsors and faces political fallout; entire governing body is restructured.
  • In January 2024, charges are finally pressed. Five players face sexual assault charges; Michael McLeod faces an additional count as party to the offence.

• The Legal Battle ([42:30])

  • Multiple trials are consolidated into one, with the complainant Em testifying for nine days.

  • Katie highlights Em’s composure on the stand:

    “I made the choice to dance with them and drink at the bar. I did not make the choice to have them do what they did back at the hotel.” – “Em” ([44:00])

  • Defence claims Em is fabricating drunkenness to excuse infidelity.

  • In Canadian law, the ability to consent while intoxicated is circumstantial, not automatically voided.

• Trial Disruptions and Verdict ([46:00])

  • Mistrials lead to judge-only verdict.

  • On July 24, 2025: all five players are acquitted. The judge deems Em “neither credible nor reliable,” contending she didn’t appear drunk enough in the consent videos.

    “The judge ... decided that all five of the hockey players were not guilty on all charges. She said that Em was neither credible or reliable and that she didn’t seem drunk enough in the consent videos ... and that there was not enough evidence to prove that the sexual acts Em did were non consensual.” – Katie Ring ([47:11])

• NHL’s Professional Consequences ([48:20])

  • NHL issues statement condemning the players’ behavior as “unacceptable” regardless of criminal verdict.
  • Players are suspended for the start of the season, eligible for contracts from Oct 15 and to play from Dec 1.
  • Ongoing investigations: further allegations from a previous Hockey Canada team loom over McLeod’s future.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The craziest part, Michael McLeod is allowed to continue playing in the NHL while this is all playing out. And in the summer of 2023, he’s even given a 1.4 million dollar contract extension.” – Katie Ring ([39:30])

• “Throughout the whole thing, Em does a really good job of maintaining composure.” – Katie Ring ([44:00])

• “The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing and the behavior at issue was unacceptable.” – NHL Statement ([50:02])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:06] – Episode opens; introduction, podcast mission
• [07:52] – Start of Adelson Family/Markel Murder Case
• [22:19] – Donna Adelson flees; arrest and trial
• [23:15] – Donna Adelson verdict in court ("control yourself" moment)
• [34:00] – Start of NHL Players Assault Case
• [44:00] – Complainant “Em” testifies at trial
• [47:11] – Judge delivers not guilty verdict and rationale
• [50:02] – NHL statement and future implications for players

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Katie wraps up by previewing the next episode's stories, including a Washington murder case and an upcoming deep-dive into the Karen Reed case, inviting listener interaction via social media.

Final note from Katie:
“You stay curious and I’ll stay on the case. We’ll see you later tonight.” ([End of episode])

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