Talking Dateline: The Grudge

In a deeply moving episode of "Talking Dateline," host Blane Alexander sits down with Andrea Canning to discuss her powerful Dateline report, "The Grudge." The conversation delves into the horrific murder of Federal Judge Esther Salas's son, Daniel, and the subsequent journey of resilience, forgiveness, and advocacy that Judge Salas has undertaken. This isn't just a story about a crime; it's a profound exploration of grief, the justice system, and the extraordinary strength of a mother.

The Shocking Attack: A Delivery Gone Wrong

The episode begins by recounting the chilling events of July 19, 2020. Judge Salas, her husband Mark, and their son Daniel were at home when a man, disguised as a delivery driver, rang their doorbell. Andrea Canning emphasizes the context of the time: the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when home deliveries were commonplace, making the family less suspicious of an unexpected visitor. Daniel, just 20 years old and home from college, answered the door. The assailant immediately opened fire, shooting Daniel and then Mark. Daniel tragically died, and Mark sustained critical injuries but survived. Judge Salas was in the basement at the time and heard the gunshots, rushing upstairs to a scene of unimaginable horror. The attacker was later identified as Roy Den Hollander, a self-proclaimed men's rights activist who had previously appeared in Judge Salas's courtroom.