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Judge To Make Decision On Postponing Dan Markel Case

Broward Sheriff's Office
Credit Broward Sheriff's Office

Leon Circuit Judge James Hankinson is expected to make a decision this week on whether to postpone the joint trial for the Dan Markel murder case.

Sigfredo Garcia is being held on charges of conspiracy to commit murder along with his former girlfriend and accused accomplice Katherine Magbanua. They’re charged in the 2014 murder of Florida State University Law Professor Dan Markel.

Magbanua’s attorney wants more time to review eight terabytes of evidence and conduct depositions for the case. The trial is currently set for June 3rd. If the judge approves the extension, it could take another three to four months to begin.

Garcia’s attorney previously asked for a continuance last year due to the birth of his child. It was denied by the Judge.

Investigators say Garcia was paid $100,000 to murder Dan Markel. Magbanua is accused of orchestrating the hit and is believe to be the link between Garcia and Adelson family. Markel had been in the midst of a divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, at the time of his death. Another man, Luis Rivera, has pled guilty to 2nd degree murder and has cooperated with investigators.

Copyright 2019 WFSU

Blaise Gainey is a Multimedia Reporter for WFSU News. Blaise hails from Windermere, Florida. He graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He formerly worked for The Florida Channel, WTXL-TV, and before graduating interned with WFSU News. He is excited to return to the newsroom. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, Netflix, outdoor activities and anything involving his daughter.