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Family seeks justice in Puerto Rico slaying

Posted: Friday, March 14, 2008 10:46 AM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under: , ,

A special Dateline on the murder of American businessman Adam Anhang, "The Pink Skirt Murder," airs on NBC Friday, March 14, at 10pm ET. Click here for the full story with video.

By John Block, Dateline Producer

I have been tracking Adam Anhang's case for over a year and a half, along with the rest of the Dateline NBC team. In the course of it, I have come to know, like, and respect Adam's family as well as Adam himself. It may seem strange hearing that I feel as if I know and care about someone who has passed on, but I feel as if I do -- at least a little bit.

I've been introduced to him through his family's recollections as well as those of his many friends. I admire very much the kindness that he showed to them all, as well as many of his other strengths.

The family was initially very wary about telling their story to a television audience. They were, and continue to be, in a lot of pain. And like most of us, they are very private people. I think that they finally agreed to be part of our report because they hope it will somehow lead to more answers.

I think also it was a way to highlight some of Adam's substance.

From the beginning, however, I explained that our first priorty was to serve Dateline report and not them. I was not their producer. I told them that our agenda was to tell the story as best we could. All questions related to Adam and the murder were fair game, and we would track the facts wherever they would lead. To the family's credit, they did not back down.

Prior to the broadcast of any report, we screen it -- sometimes several times -- for various news executives. At the conclusion of the first screening of this report, I got a number of 'atta boys -- "good job," "compelling story." Certainly, that is music to this producer's ears. In this case, however, I nearly burst into tears. At that moment, I was just feeling especially bad for the Anhang family.

Dateline correspondent Sara James blogged about the similarities between Adam Anhang and his murdered son Abe.

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Comments

To the family of Adam Anhang: Today I decided to watch TV and I saw the documentary. My heart goes out to you and your family. I from Puerto Rican descendents and it hurts me to know that we can become so cold hearted to feel that a life has a price. If there is anything I can do to keep your sons memory alive, please contact me. I am so sorry and I share your families sorrow.

Jackie Kovacs, Pembroke Pines, FL (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:08 PM)

I have never written about anything I have seen on television, but I was so touched by the love of your son, and how much your family reminds me of my own, although in geography, and religion we have nothing in common. I just wanted you to know you will be in my prayers, and I will pray for your family for the strength to go on and continue fighting. May Gods will be done, and the real truth come out.

Kimber Weinland, Houston, Texas (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:12 PM)

To the Anhang familly I want to express my deepest sorrow for your lost. Your son semmed to be a very kind individual. One can only hope that all participants in this murder will be put away for a very long time. I't would also be nice to see the lawyer of the first convicted killer be disbarded.

Paul Saint John New Brunswick Canada (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:15 PM)

Our hearts go out to the Anhang family for this senseless tragedy.  We send prayers from our family to yours in hopes that everyone involved will be identified and dealt with accordingly and quickly.

This story touched my heart.  May the angels of heaven continue to watch over you and your family.

RB & Family

RB, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:16 PM)

I want Adam Anhang's family to know of my empathy. To move through such angst, the worst pain and anger imaginable;  with such grace and nobility is about the most admirable thing I've ever witnessed as I watched Dateline tonight.  I live in Puerto Rico and have seen the stories in the paper over
the past year or so, but now  feel I know and love Adam and his elegant family.. because of the show. .just one more of us out there to hope and pray for
all the revelation necessary will not hurt.  I am also further agonized to see the reality of how a case is handled here.  You are helping many levels Mr. Anhang - God and His universe has all the team you
need to handle this...it will all come out. My heartfelt sympathy

Gretchen Schmidt, San Juan, Puerto Rico (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:24 PM)

With a heavy heart I want to say to the Anlang family how horrified I was to hear what happened to this  talented youung man. Please know that Puerto Ricans are not all money hungry and evil people. I was born in Puerto Rico but lived most of my life in the states. I only wish there was something I could say that would be appropritate or something I could do to ease your pain. I hope that justice will come soon and give you rest and that God grant you peace each and every day. My prayers are with all of you. I shall never forget this tragegy. Next time I go to puerto rico I would like to stop by the place where he died and offer a prayer. It will be difficult for me to forget your son because my son is also named Adam, who is also tall and slender and a career officer in the US Navy. With tears in my eyes and a heartfelt sorry I bid you goodnight.  
Sincerely,
Ayleen Rivera

Ayleen Rivera, Petersburg, Va (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:30 PM)

I am saddened by the selfish murder of someone who had so much to offer Puerto Rico.  I don't usually watch dateline but I did hear about this story and decided to watch without knowing the murder had taken place in Puerto Rico. I'm originally from Puerto Rico.  The people who know something about this case should speak up and defend not only justice but the reputation of Puerto Rico as a community which protects life, defends justice and believes in truth.  My condolences to Adams family and I pray more information regarding this case will be revealed.  

Millie Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:33 PM)

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Anhang & Becky,
I just finished watching your story on dateline and can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss of your beloved son Adam.  Mr. Anhang I am so moved by your perseverence on getting to the truth to put these people behind bars, and to point out the terrible injustices that are going on in front of the people of Puerto Rico.  We know alot from the actions of people, our common sense, and the seering feeling we get in our guts when we know something is not right. I know that you are certainly on the right track on finishing this case and I wish you and your lovely family many blessings to come.

Denise Hoffman, Plainfield, IL (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:46 PM)

I have just watched the Dateline special and  never having met Adam I feel this great loss . My thoughts and prayers go to the Anhang family.

MaryLou Toronto Ontario Canada (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:47 PM)

I give you all theedit the world!!!!!!!!!  At the time my sister died it was very similar to my feelings now watching you and your wife. It's such a helpless feeling but you know you have to do what you feel is right. I still to this day wish I could have done more on my side...DO NOT LEAVE YOURSELF FEELING LIKE YOU NEEDED TO DO MORE. DO WHAT SATISFIES YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS LET ME KNOW PLEASE, IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO. I WOULD BE DOING ANYTHING I COULD DO AND MORE IF IT WERE MY SON!!  IF I CAN HELP LET ME KNOW!

Aimee Moore , Erie, Pa. 16504 (Sent Friday, March 14, 2008 11:55 PM)

I worked for Adam  for several years..a loving and trusting man....needing love more than most...this B need I say more took advantage ( hopefully will be revenged by the devil)if we can all work together to avenge his real murderer..he may rest in peace

a friend, florida (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:05 AM)

John, This piece was so moving...I cried through it.  How blessed Adam was to have such loving parents and sister. I hope that they get more justice in the near future.  

Renay, East Brunswick, NJ (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:13 AM)

Loved the story. It was compelling. It was tough to watch, which is what I look for. But it was also great seeing how the story progressed.  The people were real, and the story showed that this is about life and death.  You and your dateline team proved that investigative journalism can and will show the truth to every story.

Mike (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:35 AM)

I actually began watching the story by mistake, but was compelled to complete the entirety of the story on-line. It's hard to fathom how one human being can be so very brutal to another and commit such horrendous crimes with no remorse and no emotion. It's also difficult to not want to see some type of vigilante justice in such cases. We live in a society where cases go on for years and the families of lost loved ones are forced to continually suffer and have no closure. Cases are tried and dismissed on technicalities. The innocent suffer and the guilty are permitted to live their lives rather unscathed. The guilty enjoy their liberty, but a life was taken away too soon and family and friends are left prisoners of their grief. Attorney's get more wealthy and families seeking for answers are paying for it with their finances and their health. I obviously was not present when this atrocity was committed and no one can be certain about all of the details except for those who are aware of their guilt. The circumstances make it very hard not to pass a verdict in one's own mind. Sometimes justice seems to be slow in coming, but I believe that justice is always served. We reap what we sow.

Sincerely yours,
Quentin D. Miller

PS> I just wanted to say how much I appreciated Sara James and her humanity. I realize that she is just doing her job, but kudos go to her for her NOT suppressing her emotional involvement in this report. Everyone should be affected when we hear of such tragedy. Unfortunately, we as a society have become callused and dull of hearing about such things. Thank you for sharing this report with all of us.

Quentin Miller, Brooksville, Florida (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:46 AM)

I am praying that you and your family find out what really happened to your son, Adam.  I know Adam will remain in your hearts forever.  I am so sorry this had to happen.

Dorothy Johnson Boston, MA (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 5:19 PM)

The Puerto Rican police are a joke, they look confused and as scared as the public to do anything about the murders happening everyday under their watch.  What did they say was common knowledge "Your First Murder is Free" We have horrific crimes that take place everyday but the police go right in and try to solve them no matter what the outcome may be, what we don't deal with dangerous criminals over here?  The wife is running around for 7 months, then leaves the states, then comes back free to do what she wants, the family tearing down the reward posters, oh my gosh...where's the law and order here.  My heart goes out to the family, the only one looking for answers is his father and at the cost of his life being in danger.  I wish him the best of luck with finding his son's killer or killer's and keep it up dad, she get NOTHING$$$$$$$$$$$  

Jean, Hillsboro, Oregon (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 5:42 PM)

I have always wanted to see Puerto Rico being of Puerto Rican descent, not anymore.......

Sandy, Portland, Oregon (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 5:45 PM)

I could not imagine losing a child in such a horriffic manner, my prays go out to the Anhang family.

Tonia, Portland,or (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 5:48 PM)

I work in television and must admit, i've rarely seen such a moving and compelling story.  I hope for the sake of the family and every single person who viewed this episode, that ALL involved with this brutal, senseless and outrageous murder will be brought to justice--full and complete justice.  do they have the death penalty in puerto rico? --for women?
as for the loving father of this young man, well, i've rarely seen such integrity and devotion.  utterly inspiring.  thank you for airing this piece and i look forward to an update which will declare ALL involved have been arrested, tried and sentenced.  this is a travesty.  an absolute senseless murder of a precious, productive, caring human life.  God bless all of those seeking justice for this brilliant young man.  and bravo to the producers/writers/editors of this piece!-- amazing work!

anonymous, Los Angeles, Ca. (Sent Saturday, March 15, 2008 6:59 PM)

To the parents of Adam,

I salute you and your ability to go thru with the exposure of the factual story I cried and creid for you and your wife every time you got close to his area of deathit was as if you and adam was still there asking for one more chance to talk to you.  As a parent of a well grown son like yours my son also had been attacked off campus he was dead for three mins. and on life support for 4 days, this has changed our lives and I looked for my son assalent for 4 years before we put him away. Continue to go forward to stop this women from taking all that Adam left. God Bless you and  your family that one day all of you will be together again

Laura Alexander (Sent Sunday, March 16, 2008 1:17 PM)

I would like to express my sympathies and outmost respect to The Anhang's family on the loss of their beloved son. I am from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. And it hurts to see how Puerto Rico is sometimes featured in the media as a crime driven city. Therefore, I most thank you for such a terrific report in which you clearly demonstrate a specific individuals’ motive to commit such a monstrous attack. Puerto Rico is as dangerous as any tourist driven place in the world. I have taken friends and family to the island year after year with no hesitation or safety concerns. Puerto Rico’s culture, colors and flavors makes it an irresistible paradise.  I hope the Anhang’s family can find some closure within the case by pushing for the mastermind to be put in jail.

Nydia Norman, Oviedo, FL (Sent Sunday, March 16, 2008 7:21 PM)

After viewing the story on dateline i think it's obvious to anyone with even a shred of common sense that this marriage and murder was about one thing-money. i was appaled and disheartened by the blatant disregard by the authorities in charge in PR. the fact that they let this monster get away, for 2 yrs is what stalled the process. i too have worked as a model, but i also worked on the person within. i have a conscience, and i certainly dont manipulate people because i'm pretty. this woman, who clearly is responsible for murdering your son is nothing but a shell without a soul. i hope, with enough pressure they do what's lond overdue...put this menace in jail and let her rot.abe, my heart goes out to you for all tha pain and suffering you endored. may your son finally rest in peace! g-d bless you and our family!

jen stein (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 2:02 AM)

I certainly hope that vain. shallow bitch did not receive a cent because of this murder.  She was obviously the mastermind. When she is tried, I would love to be on that jury!

Maria (Sent Monday, March 17, 2008 4:39 PM)

I watched with much interest you program on the murder of Mr. Anhang.  As one who left the island 25 years ago because of the deteriorating conditions, both in crime and political, I can feel the frustration of the parents of this young man.  It was a sorry spectacle to see the Chief of Police, Mr. Toledo, admit to the fact that no one saw anything about the murder of this young man.  That is the sad state of affairs in the island.  Everyone from the highest politician in the land feel intimidated by these thugs.  It has come to the point that, when people ask me for how things are on the island, I always ask why they want to go there.  My wife and I came from a recent vacation to the Bahamas and we felt safe everywhere we went.  In contrast, the times that I have gone to visit my family, which is not too often because of the crime, I am always looking over my shoulder. I understand that Mr. Anhang's murder was a case of a "golddigging" woman who wanted a piece of the action, however, the implications of this crime go to the a more sickening social problem of corruption and acceptance by the people that "it is alright to be corrupt as long as it benefits me".  That is the way it works in the Commonwealth of PR.  It is a sad state of affairs in the Island of Enchantment.

Alberto Rodriguez, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 1:23 PM)

For the writer...your intro moved me to tears. You are a human being personified. Thank you.

alicia dahlen (Sent Thursday, March 20, 2008 4:59 PM)

John Doe – please leave an e-mail address where we can contact you.

Dateline Editor (Sent Friday, March 21, 2008 10:06 AM)

My thoughts and prayers are with this family.  I hope that the government of Puerto Rico gets it resolved.  Puerto Rico needs to clean up the crime rate and I think we need to start with the Police Department.  The Chief of police in this interview did not show any interest and it looked like he just blew it off.  Puerto Rico at one time was a wonderful island, now  it is nothing but crime and drugs. To the government of Puerto Rico please clean it up and make it the island it use to be.  A safe island.  

Carmen Bowles Salt Lake City Utah (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 11:54 AM)

First of all Blessing on the Family. The story touch my heart and I contacted my Congressman to see if we can somehow maybe "Boycott" in Puerto Rico, advising the Tours not to go there until Justice For Adam is heard and justice will be done.  I pray that I can have Mr. Anhang to contact me that would be so awesome. Let us get Justice for Adam.  

Robi Herrera, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, March 25, 2008 12:21 PM)

To the Anhang family;
May you be spared further sorrow.I am an aquaintance of Bill Anhang.I hope justice will be done for you and your family.

Leslie U.Montreal, Canada (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:47 PM)



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