An armed man, disguised as a FedEx delivery driver, shot dead the son of a federal judge in the United States on Sunday and shot and injured her husband in an attack on their home in New Jersey, American media reported. The judge, Esther Salas, was not injured, according to the American media ABC News.
The magistrate's son Daniel Anderl, 20, was shot dead when he opened the door, according to ABC and CNN. "He was shot in the heart," said North Brunswick mayor Francis "Mac" Womack, a friend of the judge, quoted by ABC.
FBI investigation
Esther Salas' husband, Mark Anderl, a lawyer and former prosecutor, was in critical but stable condition after being operated on, according to the New Jersey Globe. The FBI office in Newark said in a tweet that it "is investigating a shooting that took place at the home of judge Esther Salas" and was looking for a suspect.
The gunman was apparently wearing a FedEx driver's uniform, law enforcement sources said. The motive for the crime was not known at first. "As a judge, she received threats from time to time, but everyone says she hasn't had one recently," the mayor told ABC.
First Hispanic woman to serve as judge
Judge Salas, 51, is the first Hispanic woman to assume the office of federal district judge in New Jersey. She was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2010.
"I know Justice Salas and her husband well, and I was proud to recommend her to President Obama for her appointment to the federal court in New Jersey," said New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez in a media release. "I pray for Judge Salas and her family, and that those responsible for this appalling act will be quickly arrested and brought to justice," he added.
A judge in charge of several high-profile cases
The judge is currently assigned to a class action filed by a group of Deutsche Bank investors who claim that the bank has not properly supervised clients considered to be high risk, including the financier Jeffrey Epstein, accused of having exploited sexually young girls who committed suicide last year in prison.
Esther Salas has handled several high-profile cases and in 2014 presided over the fraud trial of Teresa Giudice, heroine of the reality show "Real Housewives of New Jersey", and her husband Joe.
World
United States: Supreme Court authorizes resumption of federal executions after 17-year hiatus
World
Ghislaine Maxwell's arrest: Charged with sex trafficking of minors, ex-girlfriend of Epstein risks 35 years in prison
- Judge
- World
- Murder
- United States