Another month, another book. This one, Extreme Punishment by Raleigh attorney Steven B. Epstein, wasn't a Christmas gift. With a small cash advance from colleague Susan Thrower, I purchased it directly from the author. At a recent Lunch 'n' Learn, Epstein gave Campbell's law faculty a vigorous 40-minute rundown of the 2014 murder of law professor Dan Markel. Markel was a rising star at Florida State University School of Law and Markel's murder has been the subject of podcasts and features on network television programs.
Extreme Punishment is an extremely detailed, 530-page account of the initial dating relationship of Dan Markel and Wendi Adelson, Wendi's immediate family, Dan and Wendi's subsequent marriage, contentious divorce, and continuing battle over custody of their two children. Continuing, that is, until Markel's murder. Epstein then covers the investigations, trials, and convictions of the two hitmen and Katie Magbanua, the intermediary between the hitmen (one of whom was the father of her two children) and Wendi's brother Charlie (who was also on intimate terms with Katie), who now awaits his trial for paying for Markel's murder. Wendi's mother Donna remains on the periphery of the murder-for-hire plot but seems unlikely to be charged.
Meticulous doesn't described Epstein's account. With access to the volumes of exhibits introduced at trial, wiretaps, and surreptitious recordings as well as interviews with investigators, prosecutors, defense attorneies, and some jurors, Epstein provides a meticulous account of exactly who said what to whom. I must admit skipping parts of some paragraphs but having too much detail is better than being left with unanswered questions.
In short, highly recommended.
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