TALLAHASSEE, FL – Charlie Adelson, a periodontist from Broward County, is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday in Tallahassee after being found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder in the 2014 death of Florida State University professor Daniel Markel.

Adelson’s conviction stems from allegations that he hired hitmen to kill Markel, who was involved in a child custody dispute with Adelson’s sister. The prosecution argued that Adelson hired two individuals to carry out the murder, while Adelson claimed that he was being extorted and paid them out of fear for his own life.

The FBI reported that Markel was shot twice in the head while in his car in front of his Tallahassee home, dying approximately 14 hours later. Two other individuals, Katherine “Katie” Magbanua and Sigfredo “Tuto” Garcia, were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, while a third, Luis “Tato” Rivera, accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder.

Adelson’s defense attorney contends that his client and Markel were victims of the real perpetrators, Garcia and Rivera, and that Adelson was manipulated into the situation.

The investigation into Markel’s murder is still ongoing, and while Adelson’s mother has also been arrested in connection to the case, his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, has not been charged. The case has been characterized by its complexities stemming from the custody dispute and the relationships among those involved.

Adelson’s sentencing marks the latest chapter in a case that continues to hold the attention of the public and legal community both in Florida and beyond.