Talking Dateline: The Grudge
- Sep 9, 2026
- 30:02
- Full Episode
Andrea Canning joins Blayne Alexander to discuss her episode, “The Grudge,” the story of federal judge Esther Salas, whose family was attacked at their New Jersey home in 2020 by a gunman posing as a delivery driver. Salas’s husband was seriously injured and their only child, Daniel, was killed. Andrea and Blayne break down the investigation that linked the killer to the murder of California men’s rights advocate Marc Angelucci just days earlier, and the chilling motive investigators uncovered. Andrea shares an extra clip from a later conversation with Judge Salas about grief and parenting. Plus, we answer your questions from social media.
Have a question for Talking Dateline? Send us a DM @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252. Your question could be featured in an upcoming episode.
Listen to the full episode of “The Grudge”: https://swap.fm/l/dl_thegrudge
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brief Summary
Judge Salas shares her story of loss and resilience after her son was murdered by a disgruntled former litigant.
Key points
- The Grudge: A Heartbreaking Story. Judge Salas shares her tragic experience of losing her son, Daniel, to a violent act.
- Judge Salas's Strength. Despite her unimaginable loss, Judge Salas radiates strength and composure.
- Danny's Pantry: A Legacy of Love. In memory of her son, Judge Salas establishes food pantries to help those in need.
- A Beautiful Reminder. A heartfelt reminder to cherish our children and enjoy the present moment.
- Lessons from COVID. Discussing the importance of safety and awareness during delivery times in the pandemic.
- The Power of Forgiveness. A viewer's touching message about forgiveness and resilience in the face of loss.
Episode highlights
- The Grudge: A Heartbreaking StoryJudge Salas shares her tragic experience of losing her son, Daniel, to a violent act.“It was just so incredibly heartbreaking.”1:59Sep 9, 2026
- Judge Salas's StrengthDespite her unimaginable loss, Judge Salas radiates strength and composure.“You almost get this sense when you're talking to her, like, she's okay.”5:44Sep 9, 2026
- Danny's Pantry: A Legacy of LoveIn memory of her son, Judge Salas establishes food pantries to help those in need.“It started in memory of her son, Danny.”21:26Sep 9, 2026
- A Beautiful ReminderA heartfelt reminder to cherish our children and enjoy the present moment.“What a beautiful reminder.”23:33Sep 9, 2026
- Lessons from COVIDDiscussing the importance of safety and awareness during delivery times in the pandemic.“It's so easy to let your guard down, especially during that time.”26:48Sep 9, 2026
- The Power of ForgivenessA viewer's touching message about forgiveness and resilience in the face of loss.“God bless you for not letting this define you.”27:25Sep 9, 2026
- Strength in LossExploring how love and support can strengthen bonds through unimaginable loss.“This bond really just strengthened through this.”28:09Sep 9, 2026
- Talking Dateline Wrap-UpA closing reflection on the impactful episode and the importance of sharing stories.“I loved this episode and I love talking Dateline with you.”28:44Sep 9, 2026
