July 22, 2020 • No Comments • National News

ABC NewsBY: JON HAWORTH, AARON KATERSKY, MARK CRUDELE, and IVAN PEREIRA

(NEW YORK) —  Roy Den Hollander, whom the FBI has called the “primary subject” in the shooting at Judge Esther Salas’ New Jersey home, was also the leading suspect in the murder of a like-minded attorney in California earlier this month, the FBI said.

Hollander, an attorney who took on cases against feminist causes, was found dead by police Monday from an apparent suicide, according to investigators.

Hollander allegedly posed as a FedEx employee when he approached Salas’ home Sunday evening and shot Salas’ husband, Mark Anderl, and her son, Daniel Anderl, 20, before escaping in a car, according to sources. Daniel Anderl was killed and Mark Anderl is recovering at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Law enforcement sources say the suspect who killed men’s rights attorney Marc Angelucci on July 11 in San Bernardino County dressed in a similar disguise. The FBI’s Newark office said in a statement on Wednesday it is working with its San Bernardino counterpart and has evidence linking the Angelucci’s murder to Hollander.

While the FBI didn’t provide more details, law enforcement sources told ABC News the gun used in the California incident was the same one used in the New Jersey shootings.

Hollander had previously received media attention for lawsuits challenging perceived infringements of “men’s rights” on networks like Fox News, Comedy Central and MSNBC. Investigators are looking into whether Hollander was jealous of Angelucci for winning a recent case, according to law enforcement sources.

In the meantime, investigators in New York and New Jersey are taking precautions to protect people who may have been Hollander’s alleged targets.

During conference call with reporters, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he ordered state police to provide protection for New York State Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, who may have been targeted by Hollander.

A municipal employee discovered Hollander’s body in a car in the town of Rockland, New York, according to the New York State Police. He died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Inside Hollander’s vehicle was a photo of Judge DiFiore along with her address, according to Cuomo. Sources told ABC News that a dozen other names were found in Hollander’s car.

Shortly after the shooting Sunday night, security was ramped up for all federal judges in New Jersey, a law enforcement official told ABC News. Officials feared the incident at Judge Salas’ home could be the beginning of a coordinated attack.

“Our hearts, thoughts, prayers, are overwhelming with Judge Salas and her husband and hope that he makes a speedy recovery,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said on Wednesday. “This notion we made a lot of progress on gun safety … there are too many examples that continue to tell us that we are not home yet, we have a ways to go.”

Hollander, 72, had been diagnosed with cancer and officials are investigating whether the attacks were grudge killings committed by someone who knew they were dying, according to sources.

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July 22, 2020 • No Comments • National News

ABC News/KXXVBY: ELLA TORRES

(KILLEEN, Texas) — An investigation is underway into the death of a 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier found unresponsive in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, government and local officials said.

Pvt. Mejhor Morta was found July 17 after a fisherman called 911 to report seeing what he believed to be a body at the base of the dam, according to a statement from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating.

Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary autopsy results show that the cause of death is consistent with drowning, officials said.

“The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Private Morta was a great Trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.”

Morta, whose home of record was listed in Pensacola, Florida, entered the Army in September 2019 as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic. Since May 2020, he had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

Morta’s death marks the third for the base in a month.

On June 19, skeletal remains were found near Fort Hood based on an anonymous tip and later identified as Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales, who had been last seen Aug. 19.

On July 1, human remains were discovered near Fort Hood and subsequently identified as Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old missing soldier. A suspect in the case, 20-year-old army specialist Aaron Robinson, died by suicide as officials moved in on him. Another suspect, Cecily Aguilar, 22, Robinson’s girlfriend and accused of helping him dispose of Guillen’s body, was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Aguilar is being held in jail without bond. She pleaded not guilty.

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