Dateline: True Crime Weekly – Episode Summary

Release Date: August 14, 2025

In this gripping episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly, host Andrea Canning and her team delve into three compelling true crime stories: the high-stakes trial of Donna Adelson, the courtroom drama surrounding international fugitive Nicholas Rossi, and riveting updates from cold cases in Wisconsin and Iowa. Additionally, listeners receive expert advice on preparing a digital go bag for emergencies. Below is a detailed summary of the episode’s key segments, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps.

1. A Grandmother’s Trial: Donna Adelson Faces the Courtroom

The episode opens with a deep dive into the highly anticipated trial of Donna Adelson, a beloved matriarch accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against her former son-in-law, Dan Markell. The case has captivated Florida, given its intricate family dynamics and long-standing legal battles.

Background & Family Dynamics

At [02:16], producer Brad Davis introduces Lynn Keller, who provides a comprehensive overview of the Adelson family:

Lynn Keller ([02:24]): "The Adelsons were a wealthy family based in South Florida in the Miami area. The dad of the family, Harvey, was a successful dentist. He's married to Donna and she ran his office. They had three children, two sons, Charlie and Rob, and a daughter Wendy, who was a lawyer. Dan Markell was married to Wendy, and the couple had two children together."

Custody Battle as Motive

The custody battle between Donna and her former daughter-in-law becomes central to the prosecution’s case. At [03:02], Keller explains:

Lynn Keller ([03:02]): "Donna was determined to get those kids to live in Miami close to her, but Dan needed to stay in Tallahassee. She kept hammering Wendy to fight him using very harsh language."

Evidence Against Donna

Prosecutors rely heavily on circumstantial evidence, particularly an intercepted conversation between Donna and Charlie Adelson. At [04:41], Keller details:

Lynn Keller ([04:41]): "The FBI set up a sting operation where an undercover agent posed as a blackmailer threatening to expose Donna and Charlie's involvement in the murder. Right after this encounter, Donna called Charlie, implying their involvement."

Courtroom Developments

During a [07:09] pretrial hearing, Donna’s attorney attempted to exclude critical evidence. However, the judge allowed it, compelling the jury to consider the intercepted conversation:

Lynn Keller ([07:09]): "The judge said no, the jury can hear it and decide for themselves."

Potential Testimony

In a surprising turn, Donna’s defense plans to have her testify, focusing on her alleged fear of the Latin King gang:

Lynn Keller ([07:28]): "Her defense makes the case that her demeanor on the phone calls, especially after the FBI’s sting, shows she was very afraid due to connections with the Latin Kings."

Jury Selection & Anticipation

With broad jury selection commencing at [08:17], attention turns to the introduction of new witnesses, including Rob Adelson:

Lynn Keller ([08:32]): "This will be the first time we hear from Rob Adelson, who is estranged from the family. Charlie may also testify for the prosecution."

2. International Fugitive on Trial: Nicholas Rossi’s Legal Battle

Nicholas Rossi, an American fugitive who faked his death in 2020, faces trial in Utah for serious sexual assault charges. His case has garnered international attention, especially following his dramatic arrest in Scotland.

Rossi’s Background and Arrest

At [10:14], Donna Adelson, mistakenly identified as Rossi, vehemently denies the allegations:

Donna Adelson ([10:14]): "I am not Nicholas Oliverdian. I do not know how to make this clear."

Extradition and Charges

Rossi was extradited from Scotland in January 2024 and is now standing trial for rape charges in Utah. Marissa Meyer provides a detailed background:

Marissa Meyer ([11:32]): "He was born Nicholas Oliverdian in Rhode Island, adopted by his stepfather, and later ended up in foster care where he claimed abuse."

Trial Proceedings and Evidence

During the trial, notable moments include Rossi’s refusal to remove his oxygen mask for identification, leading to critical interviews. At [10:35], Andrea Canning highlights:

Andrea Canning ([10:35]): "Nicholas refused to remove his oxygen mask, insisting he was Arthur Knight, an Irish citizen."

Prosecution’s Case

The prosecution presented evidence linking Rossi to the assaults, including DNA matches from untested rape kits:

Marissa Meyer ([13:05]): "The rape kit from 2008 matched his DNA in 2017, solidifying the connection to the Utah assaults."

Defense Strategy and Verdict

Rossi chose not to testify, and after less than a day of jury deliberation, he was found guilty of rape:

Marissa Meyer ([17:01]): "After less than a day of deliberation, they found him guilty of rape."

The case is set to continue with a second trial scheduled for September.

3. Dateline Roundup: Verdicts and Trials in Wisconsin and Iowa

Wisconsin Case: Tony Hayes Acquitted

The segment begins with an update on a decades-old double murder case in Wisconsin. Tony Garrett Hayes was accused of killing neighbors Tana Togstead, Tim Mumbrew, and Tana’s dog in 1992. New DNA evidence led to his arrest in 2022.

• Prosecution’s Evidence: DNA matching Hayes to the crime scene.
• Defense’s Argument: Hayes’s confession was coerced, and they suggested an alternative suspect—Hayes’s uncle, who had died by suicide in 1995.

After four days of deliberation, the jury delivered a not guilty verdict:

Judge ([19:32]): "We, the jury, find the defendant, Tony Garrett Hayes, not guilty."

Iowa Case: Ryan Cooper’s Murder Trial

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the trial of Ryan Cooper concluded abruptly when defendant Houston Danker pleaded guilty to spare his family the ordeal of trial. His accomplice, Karina Cooper, had already been found guilty the previous month. With first-degree murder carrying a mandatory life sentence without parole, Danker’s sentencing is imminent.

4. Preparing for Emergencies: The Importance of a Digital Go Bag

In a departure from courtroom tales, the episode offers invaluable advice on emergency preparedness through the segment on digital go bags, featuring former Secret Service agent Evie Pompous.

Essential Documents to Include

At [24:09], Evie Pompous emphasizes the importance of carrying vital documents:

Evie Pompous ([24:09]): "You want to have these documents with you—birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, marriage certificate, Social Security card, wills, or deeds."

Storage Solutions

Evie recommends secure storage methods:

Evie Pompous ([24:09]): "You can scan them and keep physical copies, or store them on a flash drive to ensure accessibility during emergencies."

Additional Tips

She also advises documenting personal property through video for insurance claims and maintaining a written list of emergency contacts:

Evie Pompous ([25:01]): "Take video of things in your house because if you’re doing an insurance claim later, you have proof of what you had."

Security Considerations

Evie cautions against relying solely on cloud storage due to potential hacking risks:

Evie Pompous ([25:07]): "Having things on a cloud requires extremely strong passwords and security systems because clouds get hacked."

5. Looking Ahead: Upcoming Stories and Events

The episode concludes with teasers for future content, including the highly anticipated continuation of the Kristen Smart case and an invitation to the upcoming DATELINE Live event in Nashville on September 28.

Teaser for Next Episode

Brad Davis ([28:05]): "Coming up this Friday on Dateline, Josh has a classic episode about Kristen Smart’s disappearance during Memorial Day weekend in 1996."

Event Announcement

Brad Davis ([28:09]): "DATELINE is hitting the road next month. Join us on Sunday, September 28, in Nashville for DATELINE Live, featuring onstage panels, audience Q&As, and a VIP reception."

Conclusion

This episode of Dateline: True Crime Weekly masterfully intertwines intense courtroom proceedings with expert advice on personal safety, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging experience. From the intricate familial ties in Donna Adelson’s case to the international manhunt of Nicholas Rossi, and updates on long-standing cold cases, the episode underscores the relentless pursuit of justice and the importance of preparedness in the face of unforeseen emergencies.

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