Dan Markel Murder Remains Puzzling — 3 Years Later
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Florida State law professor Dan Markel was murdered in his own driveway on July 18, 2014.
Three years later, prosecutors are still trying to sort out what exactly happened that day, with theories that include an angry ex-wife, in-laws, hired hitmen — or all of the above.
It wasn’t until two years after the murder that the first arrests came, when Tallahassee Police revealed details of an alleged murder-for-hire plan. Police said that the suspected motive was a custody fight between Markel and his ex-wife over their two children.
Luis Rivera, the alleged getaway driver, accepted a plea deal and is expected to testify against Sigredo Garcia, the alleged shooter, and Katherine Magbanua, the alleged contact with the in-laws, both of whom are still awaiting trial.
No members of the family have been charged with any crime, and all maintain their innocence. Attorneys for the family, Magbanua and Garcia have reportedly called the idea of a murder-for-hire plot a “theory” and a “fishing expedition.”
Markel’s children live with their mother in South Florida.
“Not a week goes by that one of the neighbors doesn’t ask or comment, ‘What’s going on?’” said Markel’s friend and neighbor Reggie Garcia.
Contact Jesse Bernstein at [email protected] or on Twitter, @__jbernstein
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
