Dateline NBC The Grudge
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Sep 8, 2026 Esther Salas, a trailblazing U.S. District Judge and New Jersey’s first Latina federal judge, recounts the 2020 attack that killed her son Daniel and wounded her husband, Mark. The story follows a masked shooter’s cross-country murder spree, investigators’ search for a motive, and the chilling discovery of a misogynistic vendetta. Salas also reflects on Daniel’s legacy, forgiveness, and returning to the bench.
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A Birthday Weekend Ends In A Doorway Attack
- Esther Salas and Daniel were cleaning up after his 20th-birthday celebration when a disguised gunman rang the doorbell.
- Daniel answered, was shot in the chest, and Mark was wounded while trying to see the fleeing car’s license plate.
The Shooting Triggered A Regional Manhunt
- Because the victims lived with a federal judge, investigators feared the shooter might target additional judges.
- Police rapidly expanded the response, involving the FBI, ATF, and state police while the attacker remained unidentified.
Esther Learns Daniel Did Not Survive
- At the hospital, Esther repeatedly asked about Daniel before doctors told her he had died.
- Mark survived surgery despite bullets tearing through his liver and intestines, leaving Esther fearing she might plan two funerals.