Race raises more than $265,000 in memory of judge’s slain son

NORTH BRUNSWICK — On July 16, two years after 20-year-old Daniel Anderl died protecting his mother and father from a gunman, 1,100 runners gathered at the North Brunswick Community Park to celebrate his life and create a legacy in his name at the second and final Daniel Anderl “Love is Light” 5K run.

Anderl, described by family and friends as a smart, funny, compassionate, competitive, caring, and loyal man, was a student at Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He was a graduate of St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, and Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen.

In 2020, Anderl was shot by Roy Den Hollander, an attorney in Manhattan, N.Y., when he opened the front door of his family’s home in North Brunswick. Daniel’s father, Mark, was shot several times by Den Hollander, but unlike Daniel, survived.

Authorities said Den Hollander came to the home to kill Daniel’s mother, Judge Esther Salas, after finding her personal information online. Den Hollander was later founded dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Through the shock and grief of losing their only child, Salas and Anderl found their faith to be a lifeline and in celebration of their son, they chose to believe that “Hate is Heavy. Love is Light.”

In speaking about this outlook on life at the 5K, Salas said, “Since our horrific nightmare, so many walking angels on earth have set out to turn this nightmare of ours into a fairy tale, with butterflies, heroes, heroines, knights in shining armor, and so much more.

“The love in this enchanted park right now, is proof positive that good will always triumph over evil. Light will always shine over darkness, and love will always conquer hate.”

The purpose of the 5K, as described by its creators, is to honor Daniel’s legacy, raise money for a scholarship named in his honor, and advocate for the creation of national legislation to protect members of the judiciary. The 5K raised more than $265,000, which surpassed the goal of $100,000, according to Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish. The scholarship at the parochial school, called the Daniel Anderl Class of 2014 Scholarship Fund, is fully endowed for at least four scholarships in perpetuity.

As for the legislation, New Jersey Bill A1649, the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020 (“Daniel’s Law”), was passed in November 2020. All of its provisions went into effect July 12. It provides law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and other persons covered by the law the ability to apply online to have their residential addresses redacted from certain public records. The Anderl family now seeks similar protections enacted on a national level.

The day of the 5K began early with a ceremony at the Butterfly Garden where Daniel’s parents unveiled the addition of two butterfly benches donated to the park in Daniel’s honor next to a tree memorial dedicated to his life in 2021.

The finish line featured the band “Epic Souls,” child-friendly activities such as face painting and tattoos, and free food including Playa bowl, hot dogs, and bagels.

The 5K also featured a raffle to win a guitar signed by musician Jon Bon Jovi, which was won by United States Magistrate Judge Tonianne Bongiovanni, as well as prizes for the first-place man, John Flynn, who finished in a time of 19 minutes, 36.1 seconds; and woman, Katie Butler, 24:19.8; a flat screen TV and new bike.

Father Lynam, described as a “beacon of light” in the Anderl family’s darkest times, was a major supporter of the 5K. Judge Salas thanked “Father Bob” for “his efforts to bring us back from the depths of despair, to help us keep the faith, and to support today’s race in more ways than I can possibly acknowledge.”

When talking about Daniel, Father Bob said “I have known [him] throughout his entire life. It was a true blessing to be his pastor, his priest.”

Salas also thanked Lou Anne Benson, Carol Dominguez, Ana Montero, and the rest of the “butterfly battalion,” who organized the 5K.