Three Years Later : Revisiting the murder of Adrian Anderson

In an exclusive conversation with Unheard Voices, Adrienne Anderson reflects on the tragic loss of her son, Adrian. She opens up about the pain of his senseless murder and shares how the aftermath continues to shape her life and community.

What happened to Adrian Anderson?

On September 21, 2013, 23-year-old Adrian Anderson succumbed to his injuries after being gunned down on Liberty St. in Long Branch.

According to prosecutors, Adrian Anderson had just left a memorial gathering honoring two Long Branch residents killed in a car crash when he stopped by his aunt’s home to check on her. His mother, Adrienne, said Adrian routinely visited the disabled woman to ensure she was safe and supported.

When Adrian arrived, he found a group of individuals loitering on his aunt’s private property. Reports indicate the group became aggressive and refused to leave. Several boys allegedly challenged Adrian to a fight in the backyard, but when he declined, the confrontation escalated. Witnesses say the group began assaulting him in the front yard.

Police were called to the scene multiple times that evening in attempts to disperse the crowd. The final call they received reported Adrian’s lifeless body lying outside—he had been shot. He was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

Suspect charged

Dante Strong, who was 18 at the time, now 21, was charged with the murder of Adrian Anderson. Strong admitted to firing in the crowd of people that killed Adrian Anderson. He pled guilty to aggravated manslaughter in June of 2016. Strong was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder.

During a court hearing, Strong acknowledged firing a handgun toward a crowd gathered on the front porch of 135 Liberty Street in Long Branch—an act that resulted in the fatal shooting of Anderson, according to the acting prosecutor. Strong told the judge his actions were prompted by a confrontation in which a female relative was injured, a detail cited in the prosecution’s account.

Interview with Adrienne Anderson

In a candid interview with Unheard Voices, Adrienne shared her personal perspective on the tragedy. She opened up about the emotional toll of losing her son, expressing disappointment over what she described as a lack of meaningful support from local organizations and community leaders.

Watch the two part video interview below:

Revisting the murder of Adrian Anderson Part 1

Part 2