48 Hours Podcast: A Home Invasion in Colts Neck

Host: CBS News
Episode Title: A Home Invasion in Colts Neck
Release Date: July 14, 2025

Introduction to Colts Neck and the Victim

Colts Neck, New Jersey, a serene and affluent community located just 50 miles from New York City, epitomizes the quintessential suburban idyll. Amidst its bucolic landscapes lies a modest farmhouse, home to Donna Anshako and her 20-year-old daughter, Kirsten. In July 2013, this peaceful setting was shattered by a violent home invasion that would forever alter their lives.

The Home Invasion Attack

In the early hours of July 6, 2013, Donna Anshako, an assistant prosecutor with Monmouth County, found herself alone in her farmhouse. As she prepared for bed around 11:30 PM, a terrifying intrusion unfolded.

Donna Anshako [06:07]: "I lost in total close to three quarters of the blood in my body. There's no earthly reason why I'm alive. None."

An unidentified young male armed with a large knife forced his way into Donna's home. Without warning, he launched a brutal attack, stabbing her repeatedly in the face, neck, and chest. Donna recounts the harrowing moments of the assault:

Donna Anshako [09:08]: "I tried to slam and shut the door. My fingers were protruding out. He stuck the knife through the opening and cut my finger so that I immediately let go of the door."

Despite the immense trauma, Donna's resilience enabled her to survive the attack, though she sustained severe injuries, including 37 stitches on her face and neck, and 38 staples in her chest.

Emergency Response and Donna's Survival

After the assault, Donna managed to summon the strength to make a 911 call, despite her debilitating injuries.

Donna Anshako [15:20]: "My hands are covered in blood. My touchscreen. I was trying to swipe and swipe. So I ended up having to wipe my hands off, wipe the phone off, wipe it down on the bed, and then I was able to do the touch screen and get through to 911."

The call provided crucial information about the attacker, including a detailed description:

Donna Anshako [16:00]: "He was probably about 17, white, real skinny, curly hair, blonde, dirty blonde hair, backpack."

Paramedics and police arrived within eight minutes of the call, rushing Donna to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Her daughter Kirsten, who had been at a party, returned to a house enveloped in flashing lights and police activity.

The Investigation: Initial Leads and Evidence

Detective Andrea Tazzi led the investigation into the home invasion. Initial leads included a report from a worker at a nearby restaurant who witnessed a suspicious individual walking through their drive-thru.

Donna Anshako [04:19]: "They called because they saw a subject walking through their drive through. I have her detention. Police. One of my customers in drive thru."

Surveillance footage from the area revealed a young man matching Donna's description. Further complicating the case was the discovery of Donna's stolen BMW, abandoned with blood stains, providing DNA evidence crucial to the investigation.

Brennan Doyle: The Suspect

As the investigation progressed, Brennan Doyle emerged as the primary suspect. A 16-year-old local student-athlete with no prior criminal history, Brennan's profile matched the description and DNA evidence found at the scene.

Donna Anshako [25:02]: "Yeah, that was incredibly accurate. He was like a surfer kid or a skateboarder or something like that."

Investigators discovered that Brennan had attended Donna's wedding and was staying with his family in Colts Neck. A significant breakthrough came when a matching knife from Brennan's household was found atop a shopping center roof near the crime scene.

Donna Anshako [35:51]: "There'S DNA in her vehicle that links to him. It's indefensible."

The Arrest and Trial

In October 2013, with mounting evidence—including DNA matches and the recovered knife—Brennan Doyle was arrested on charges of attempted murder, carjacking, and weapons possession. Despite conflicts surrounding his bail, where Doyle was allowed to remain free, the prosecution pressed forward.

During the trial, Doyle admitted to his actions, leading to a plea deal where he faced charges as an adult. This decision resulted in a 15-year prison sentence, though Donna felt this was insufficient justice for the brutality of the attack.

Donna Anshako [43:37]: "Anger. Just very angry."

Aftermath: Recovery and Advocacy

The physical and emotional toll of the attack left Donna grappling with severe PTSD. Determined not to be engulfed by her trauma, she founded a support group for survivors of violent crimes, connecting with others who shared similar experiences.

Donna Anshako [44:06]: "Reason we took to the support group was to help each other cope."

Donna's advocacy extended beyond local support, as she engaged with trauma therapists, offered self-defense classes, and educated both inmates and police cadets to foster understanding and prevention.

Conclusion

"A Home Invasion in Colts Neck" is a poignant exploration of resilience in the face of unimaginable violence. Donna Anshako's journey from victim to advocate highlights the strength of the human spirit and the pursuit of justice. While the legal resolution provided some closure, Donna's ongoing efforts to support fellow survivors underscore the enduring impact of trauma and the importance of community support.

Donna Anshako [45:19]: "This is artwork. They're beautiful artwork. You could either get sucked into the darkness or you just keep going. I did what I had to do to be here today. And go another day."

Notable Quotes:

• Donna Anshako [06:07]: "I lost in total close to three quarters of the blood in my body. There's no earthly reason why I'm alive. None."
• Donna Anshako [14:20]: "I don't remember my feet or my hands actually touching the stairs...But the motivation was you."
• Donna Anshako [25:02]: "Yeah, that was incredibly accurate. He was like a surfer kid or a skateboarder or something like that."
• Donna Anshako [35:51]: "There's DNA in her vehicle that links to him. It's indefensible."
• Donna Anshako [43:37]: "Anger. Just very angry."
• Donna Anshako [44:06]: "Reason we took to the support group was to help each other cope."
• Donna Anshako [45:19]: "This is artwork. They're beautiful artwork. You could either get sucked into the darkness or you just keep going. I did what I had to do to be here today. And go another day."

Further Resources:

For a more comprehensive understanding of this case, visit the 48 Hours website or listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts.