News

Dan Markel Memorial Fund Raises $54K

By Rachel X. Landes August 5, 2014

A internet fund to benefit the sons of slain Florida law professor Dan Markel has been flooded with more than $54,000 dollars in donations, surpassing its initial goal.

Markel, who was ambushed and shot to death July 18 as he pulled into the driveway of his Tallahassee home, left behind two sons, Benjamin and Lincoln. Two weeks ago, his friends and family started donating “exclusively for the benefit of his children.”

The event was started by Tamara Demko, a family friend who met Markel during their time at Harvard Law School. She was also the first donor and wrote, “I love you. They will know you,” along with her contribution.

The Danny Memorial Fund has met the goal of $54,000. 199 people have contributed to the donation, either anonymously or signed. One anonymous donor gave $25,000 three days after the donations began.

“It was my pleasure and honor to serve as Dan’s pre-law adviser when he was in college and in law school,” wrote John Gardner. “A great mind and a good friend. Fond memories of our talks. A brilliant career and life cut short. I am very sad tonight but hope his sons will take comfort from the high regard so many of us have for their father.”

“Your Aba was a very special man wrote,” wrote Amy Harfeld, addressing Markel’s sons and using the Hebrew term for dad. “He could make me think and laugh and wonder all in the same minute. He loved you more than anything and will always be watching over you with love.”

Police say Markel was targeted in the shooting and have ruled out robbery or a random attack. They have not identified any possible suspects or motive.

It took 19 minutes for an ambulance to arrive at Markel’s home after a 911 dispatcher mistakenly assigned a low priority to the shooting.

His children live with Wendi Adelson, Markel’s ex-wife. She has pleaded for privacy in the case, which has attracted national media attention.

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