Two teenage friends killed in Cranford hit-and-run; 17-year-old charged with murder

Two teenage best friends, both 17 years old, were killed in a hit-and-run while riding e-bikes in Cranford, New Jersey, on September 29. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old male from a neighbouring town, charging him with two counts of first-degree murder. Law enforcement has not released the victims’ names, but family members have identified them as Maria Niotis and Isabella Rose Salas, reported CNN.

The incident has profoundly affected the local community. On Tuesday evening, hundreds gathered for a vigil in remembrance of the victims, leaving candles, balloons, stuffed animals, and photographs at the scene. Maria’s mother, Fouli Niotis, described her daughter as not just her child but her best friend, adding that Maria “could walk into a room and light it up just by being herself.”

Ongoing investigation

Isabella was remembered as an avid singer, actor, and volunteer at a local food pantry. Her visitation was scheduled for Saturday, with her funeral on Monday. Maria, described by her mother as an aspiring cosmetologist who loved helping others see inner beauty, had her Mass held on Friday. A GoFundMe campaign supporting the victims’ families has raised more than $150,000.

Police have not confirmed whether the incident was targeted or revealed a motive. Court records show the suspect, identified as Vincent Battiloro, received 15 traffic tickets on the afternoon of the incident, including violations for speeding, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and failing to report an accident. These match the time and location of the crash under investigation. Battiloro was detained on Monday, released, and re-arrested on Wednesday morning.

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Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro stated in a Facebook post that the accused was a relative, though not an immediate family member. He described the community as “violated” and “grieving,” adding that Isabella was “a beautiful, charismatic young lady” and a neighbour.

The case is ongoing, and no further charges have yet been filed.