FSU Professor Dan Markel's Killer Likely Knew the Victim
A Florida State University professor was killed in his home Saturday, and authorities released new details on the case. Criminal law professor Dan Markel, 41, was fatally shot in the side of the head at close range in his home in Tallahassee, Florida.
Police believe Markel may have known his killer as there was no sign of forced entry into his Betton Hills home.
"He was the intended target in this situation," David Northway, Tallahassee Police Department Officer, said. A statement released by the police department said the evidence does not support that this was a random crime, such as a burglary.
Officials are withholding much of the information from the press but did release pictures of a silver Toyota Prius that was seen around the neighborhood on the day of the crime.
"We must make sure that we are keeping the integrity of this case so we can bring it to prosecution," Northway said. "We are speaking to everybody who has an affiliation with Mr. Markel."
After a neighbor called police, Markel was found bleeding in his home and was taken to a local hospital, where he died the next day.
Markel is survived by his two sons, 3 and 5, and his ex-wife, fellow FSU professor Wendi Jill Adelson. According to ABC News, her lawyer said Adelson was "devastated and scared because she doesn't know who did this or why."
The two divorced a year ago but were still in a custody debate over their boys. Police said they questioned Adelson but have not named any suspects.
"There's not enough information to suggest that this is a contract murder. It certainly could be," Brad Garrett, former FBI agent and ABC News consultant, said. "The most likely theory is that it is somebody that he knows."
A Harvard graduate, the professor's death has shaken the college town.
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