'Sad and solemn': Family of Dan Markel mark 12 years since murder

Ruth and Phil Markel will mark the 12th anniversary of their son Dan Markel's murder with traditional Jewish observances and special events - along with renewed optimism about a "breakthrough" in their relationship with their grandchildren.

To commemorate his yahrzeit, a day of reflection held on the anniversary of a loved one's death, the Markels will light a slow-burning candle the night before to symbolize his enduring soul.

Along with their daughter, Shelly, they'll host breakfasts in his honor at two different synagogues, including one where he had his bar mitzvah.

They'll recite a prayer known as the Mourner's Kaddish. And they'll visit his grave in Toronto, where he grew up and his family still resides.

"We mark it very seriously," Ruth Markel said in an exclusive interview with the Tallahassee Democrat. "There's a slowing down of daily life. And it's just certainly a sad and solemn opportunity to look at someone's life and the impacts of course - on all of us, too."

Markel, a noted Florida State University law professor, was fatally shot on July 18, 2014, the victim of a murder-for-hire hatched by his former in-laws. Five people have been convicted in the murder, including his ex-wife Wendi Adelson's mother, Donna Adelson, and his former brother-in-law, Charlie Adelson.

Prosecutors have long said that the Adelsons wanted Markel out of the picture so his ex-wife could move to South Florida with their two sons, which a judge had blocked. Wendi Adelson denies involvement and has never been charged.

Markel clung to life until the day after the shooting. His yahrzeit, which is celebrated according to the Hebrew calendar, falls on July 6.

"The most important thing really is remembering his children and remembering Danny as a father," she said. "He was an amazing father."

Ruth Markel, who successfully pushed for a grandparents' rights bill in Florida after the murder, has complained before about restrictions on her access to her grandchildren, who are being raised by their mom. But she is optimistic the restrictions will be lifted after recent conversations with them.

"We are in the process, hopefully, of a major breakthrough increasing access to the boys," she said.

Ruth Markel noted that both boys are in high school and nearing the point where they'll make decisions about college, something their father provided for in his estate.

Dan Markel earned his bachelor's degree and doctorate in law from Harvard University, took part in summer studies at Cambridge University and Tufts University and spent a year in Israel.

"We've let them know that Dan's wishes for them are to have the same kinds of opportunities," she said.

In other developments, she said she's working with one major streaming service - she said she couldn't reveal which one yet - on what's being billed as the "definitive" documentary about the headline-grabbing case. She said there's also "starting to be people who are interested in film."

She thanked the media for its continued interest in the case, giving specific shout-outs to local TV and radio stations but "particularly" the Tallahassee Democrat.

"The Tallahassee Democrat has been there since Day One," she said. "From a long-term point of view, it's a major support in informing the community."

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'Sad and solemn': Family of Dan Markel mark 12 years since murder

Reporting by Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat

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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 1:34 PM.