On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 10:01 PM ET, A&E’s Taking the Stand looks at the case of Charlie Adelson, a Florida periodontist accused of plotting the murder of his former brother-in-law, Dan Markel. This episode focuses on the chilling claim that Adelson hired two hitmen, connecting the violent act to a bitter child custody dispute between Markel and Adelson’s sister.
Taking the Stand is built around presenting crimes through the perspective of the accused as they testify in court. Host Dan Abrams guides viewers through first-hand defendant testimony and the sharp back-and-forth of cross-examinations. The program uses actual video from law enforcement, surveillance clips, 911 audio, and digital forensic evidence, all building towards the final verdict.
The Adelson case has drawn wide public notice due to its upsetting facts and the family connections at its center. This episode aims to give viewers a close look at the legal drama as it happened, allowing them to weigh the evidence presented through the lens of Adelson’s own statements from the witness stand.
