Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Charlie Adelson Fights For New Trial in Death of Dan Markel | Crime Alert 6AM 01.12.26

Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & CrimeOnline

Overview

This episode centers on two major crime stories:

• Charlie Adelson’s fight for a new trial after being convicted in the murder-for-hire of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel.
• A tragic mass shooting in Mississippi where a 24-year-old man is accused of killing six people, including multiple family members and church leaders.

Nancy Grace delivers concise updates and critical insights, maintaining her no-nonsense tone and focus on constitutional issues and victims’ stories.

1. Charlie Adelson’s Appeal in Dan Markel Murder Case

(Segment begins at 00:01)

Main Points

• Background:
  Charlie Adelson, previously convicted for orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting his brother-in-law, Dan Markel, is seeking a retrial.

  “Convicted killer Charlie Adelson back in court Feb. 3, the first time in over a year. He’s one of five convicted in the murder for hire of his brother in law, FSU law professor Dan Markell.” (Nancy Grace, 00:01)

• Legal Developments:

  • Oral arguments for Adelson’s appeal are scheduled before the First District Court of Appeal.
  • Adelson’s attorneys, Michael Ufferman and Laurel Niles, are claiming that significant constitutional issues prevented a fair trial.
  • The appeal focuses on four main alleged errors, particularly the trial judge’s refusal to change venue due to media bias.

    “…the appeal raises, quote, significant constitutional issues related to his right to a fair trial and the adequate presentation of his defense.” (00:34)

• Court Procedures:

  • Each legal team—Adelson’s and the Florida Attorney General’s office—will get 20 minutes to argue.
  • Adelson will not be present, as incarcerated appellants aren’t permitted for oral arguments.

• Recent Family Convictions:

  • Donna Adelson (Charlie’s mother) was recently convicted of conspiracy in the case.
  • Wendy Adelson (Charlie's sister and Markel’s ex-wife) remains uncharged but is considered an unindicted co-conspirator by prosecutors.

• Venue Change Argument:

  • Defense claimed bias in the Tallahassee jury pool due to local media coverage.
  • The state counters that the defense waived this argument by accepting the jury without objection.

• Incarceration Details:

  • Charlie Adelson is in a South Dakota prison due to safety concerns in Florida.
  • Donna Adelson is at Homestead Correctional Institution and is appealing her conviction.

Memorable Quote

“The court's notice indicated that both Adelson’s legal team and representatives from the Florida attorney General's office will each have 20 minutes to present their arguments, which may include time reserved for rebuttals. However, Adelen will not be present in the courtroom.” (00:42)

Timestamp Summary

• 00:01-00:32: Nancy Grace opens with Adelson case overview and family connections
• 00:32-03:01: Reporter details on appellate arguments, venue debate, and family legal status

2. Mississippi Family Massacre

(Segment begins at 03:07)

Main Points

• Incident Summary:

  • A 24-year-old man, Derica Moore, is charged with the murders of six people across three locations in Mississippi.
  • The victims include his father, brother, uncle, seven-year-old cousin, a pastor, and the pastor’s brother.

• Timeline & Arrest:

  • Moore's rampage began at a mobile home (family residence), continued at his cousin’s house (where he attempted sexual assault and killed a child), and ended at a church residence (killing two more).
  • Arrested at a checkpoint within 4.5 hours of the first shooting.

• Details and Motive:

  • Motive remains unknown; law enforcement is still investigating.

    "In a situation like this, it’s heartbreaking to see a family member turn against their own people..." (Sheriff Eddie Scott, 04:30)

• Legal Next Steps:

  • District Attorney plans to seek the death penalty.
  • Moore is being held without bond, likely to be assigned a public defender if charges escalate to capital murder.

• Additional Facts:

  • Moore was armed with both a rifle and a handgun upon arrest.
  • The state medical examiner is conducting autopsies.
  • Surviving family members are in deep shock.

Notable Quotes

“I cannot fathom a motive for killing a child.” (Sheriff Scott, 04:57)

“Moore was arrested at a roadblock around 11:24pm roughly four and a half hours after the first shots were fired...” (05:41)

Timestamp Summary

• 03:07-06:19: Mississippi shooting update; investigation and community impact discussed

3. Conclusion and Call to Action

(Segment ends at 06:19)

Nancy Grace reminds listeners of the show’s broader mission and encourages them to visit CrimeOnline for updates and participate in daily efforts to find missing people and solve cases.

Episode Highlights

Key Themes:

• Constitutional rights and media bias in high-profile murder appeals.
• The ripple effects of family-driven violent crimes.
• The relentless pursuit of justice both in the courtroom and investigative reporting.

Memorable Moments:

• The emphasis on how media coverage can influence high-profile trials.
• The human impact of family-targeted mass shootings, as expressed by law enforcement officials.

Essential Timestamps

| Time (MM:SS) | Segment | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:01 | Nancy Grace introduces Charlie Adelson’s appeal | | 00:32 | Details on appellate process and family involvement | | 03:07 | Mississippi mass shooting – details and motive | | 04:57 | Sheriff’s emotional reflection on child’s murder | | 06:19 | Nancy Grace closes with call to action |

Speaker Attributions

• Nancy Grace: Host, key commentary, and transitions between stories.
• Uncredited Reporter (B): Detailed breakdown of legal developments, crime events, and official statements.
• Sheriff Eddie Scott: Reaction and emotional commentary on Mississippi shooting.

[Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive, accessible account of the episode’s major stories and themes.]