Law Professor Dan Markel Killed by Gunshot to Head

By Forward Staff July 22, 2014

Dan Markel, a prominent Jewish Florida law professor and author found murdered in his home, died from a gunshot wound to the head, police reportedly said.

Tallahassee Police Chief Michael DeLeo said police want to release as much information about Markel’s murder, without compromising the case.

“TPD will strive to release updates in a timely manner,” DeLeo said, according to the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper. “but must protect the integrity of the case so that we can assure a favorable outcome once this case is brought before the judicial system.”

The reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case has been upped from $1,000 to $3,000.

“Remember, any one piece of information could be the one we need to bring this tragedy to a close,” DeLeo said in the release. “We encourage anyone who may have been in the area of Trescott Drive on Friday to call us.”

Earlier, police said Markel was the “intended victim” in his shooting death.

Investigators did not offer any possible motive for the crime or say if there were any suspects.

His estranged wife, also a law professor, was said to be distraught at the news and cooperating with the investigation.

The Jewish Florida State University College of Law professor was at home when neighbors heard a loud bang Friday morning.

Paramedics rushed the popular 41-year-old professor and scholar to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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