Mourning or Manipulating: Inside the Life of Wendi & The Adelsons Before the Murder for Hire Plot
Mourning or Manipulating: Inside the Life of Wendi & The Adelsons Before the Murder for Hire Plot  
Podcast: Surviving the Survivor: #BestGuests in True Crime
Published On: Fri Oct 03 2025
Description: Wendi Adelson is once again at the center of intense scrutiny as investigators and legal analysts revisit the timeline leading up to the murder-for-hire plot that killed Dan Markel. In this episode of the STS Podcast, we take a deeper look at Wendi Adelson, her family, and the dynamics inside the Adelson household before the shocking crime that became major true crime news. The discussion explores the lives of Wendi Adelson, Donna Adelson, and Harvey Adelson prior to the alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy. Was the family simply dealing with a painful divorce and custody battle, or were there early signs of manipulation and planning? Analysts break down key moments, statements, and behaviors that investigators later examined after Dan Markel was tragically killed in 2014. This episode also looks at how the case evolved from a complicated family dispute into one of the most closely followed real crime stories in recent years. The conversation connects the Adelson saga to broader themes seen across survivor stories, unresolved cold cases, and ongoing true crime news coverage that continues to unfold in courtrooms and investigations. Key Points Covered: The background of Wendi Adelson and her life before the murder-for-hire plot The family dynamics within the Adelson household The timeline leading up to the murder of Dan Markel How investigators interpreted early behaviors and statements Why the case remains a major focus in true crime news and real crime stories Ongoing discussion on STS Podcast and the wider impact on survivor stories and cold cases Other STS shows about Wendi:  Wendi's podcast: Https://www.youtube.com/live/irssrf72... Wendi's book: Https://www.youtube.com/live/crcMXrLA... Big thanks to @JuryDutyPodcast for sharing some of the clips included in this show.  Thanks for supporting the show and being a part of #STSNation!  Donate to STS' Trial Travel: Https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GJ... VENMO: @STSPodcast or Https://www.venmo.com/stspodcast Check out STS Merch: Https://www.bonfire.com/store/sts-store/ Joel's Book: Https://amzn.to/48GwbLx Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SurvivingTheSurvivor Email: SurvivingTheSurvivor@gmail.com     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.