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The investigation into the murder of an FSU law professor took a dramatic turn today. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, one of two defendants originally charged in the case has agreed to testify for the state.

Luis Rivera, one of three people accused of murdering FSU law professor Dan Markel has reached a plea deal. He will testify against alleged triggerman Sigfredo Garcia and the alleged go between girl friend Katherine Magbanua. Prosecutor Georgia Cappleman  described Rivera’s involvement for the court.

“He was the driver. He assisted in providing the firearm, the transportation” said Cappleman

Circuit Judge James Hankinson asked Rivera a series of questions under oath, including: “In this you agree that you are going to cooperate and testify truthfully. Do you Understand that?” “Yes Sir” responded Rivera.

Under the deal, Rivera will finish his federal prison sentence. That’s twelve years, then he will come into state prison for another seven.

State Attorney Willie Meggs says he had to make a deal with the devil to move the case forward.

“We knew we needed to give up something, and we did” says Meggs.

Rivera can put Magbanua as the conduit  between the hit man and the family of the law professors ex-wife.

There is also new video of an under cover officer, approaching Adelson family matriarch Donna Adelson, claiming to be Rivera’s brother, handing her a sheet of paper, and asking for money to keep quite about the murder.

“She has the paper” police are heard saying on the video.

No money was ever paid, but the confrontation led to a recorded meeting in which Donna’s son Charlie tells Magbanua that she should find someone to kill the agent or he would find someone to do it.

We asked Meggs about the ex wife’s involvement.

“We’re not sure where it will lead us, but we are on the trail” says the veteran prosecutor.

Wendi Adelson told police she was driving through her ex husbands neighborhood shortly after the murder, saying she stopped at a nearby liquor store to prepare for a party later that night.

Anchor Tag: Police have not yet located the gun used in the killing. Garcia, the accused triggerman is due in court for a previously scheduled hearing on Friday.