The New Jersey federal judge’s son were shot and killed while husband left in critical condition at their family’s home Sunday afternoon.
U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas was believed to be in the basement at the time of the shooting, and was not injured.
According to three senior law enforcement officials, someone dressed as a FedEx driver arrived at the home at about 5 p.m. Sunday, and the husband, Mark Anderl, answered the door and was shot multiple times,
Their son, Daneil Anderl, was shot “through the heart” as he came running to the door.
North Brunswick Francis “Mac” Womack said investigators are now “trying to get a hard make on the vehicle” in an effort to track the suspect.
“As a judge, she had threats from time to time, but everyone is saying that recently there had not been any,” the mayor said.
The FBI, U.S. Marshals, New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General all went to the scene for investigation.
“The FBI is investigating a shooting that took place at the home of Judge Esther Salas in North Brunswick Township, NJ early this evening July 19,” the FBI tweeted.
“We are working closely with our state and local partners and will provide additional updates when available.”
“I know Judge Salas and her husband well, and was proud to recommend her to President Obama for nomination to New Jersey’s federal bench,” said New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez in a statement.
“My prayers are with Judge Salas and her family, and that those responsible for this horrendous act are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.”
Salas is the first Hispanic woman to serve on the federal bench in New Jersey, and has presided over a number of high-profile trials in her tenure, including the trial of former “Real Housewife” Teresa Giudice.