Retrial of South Florida woman in FSU professor death in Day 3

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – It was Day 3 of the retrial for Katherine Magbanua, a South Florida lady who’s accused of being the connection between the hitmen and an FSU professor’s former in-laws in what investigators say was a homicide for rent.

Daniel Markel was shot to demise in his driveway in broad daylight.

On Friday, Luis Rivera took the stand. Police stated he was a accomplice within the homicide. He beforehand took a plea deal and was sentenced to 19 years for his half in Markel’s demise.

Investigators stated Rivera was considered one of two males employed by Katherine Magbanua. She was relationship the brother of Markel’s ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, on the time of his homicide.

Adelson testified Thursday that her household didn’t like Markel however that her that they had completely nothing to do together with his killing.

Prosecutors stated Rivera’s statements are key to proving her involvement within the murder-for-hire plot.

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“One of many telephones that you simply had in your possession that morning with the cash drop did you utilize that telephone to name Katherine Magbanua?” prosecutors requested.

“She referred to as me,” Rivera responded.

“And you purchased a telephone to do a homicide? Did you hire a automotive in your individual identify to return do a homicide?”

“Sure,” Rivera responded.

Rivera stated he was paid in $100 payments by Magbanua the day after the homicide.

Magbanua faces quite a few fees together with first-degree homicide.