In a tragic incident in Cranford, New Jersey, two 17-year-old girls, Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis, were killed on September 29, 2025, when they were struck by a vehicle while riding an electric bike. The Union County Prosecutor's Office reported that the suspect, 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro, was driving a 2021 black Jeep Compass at approximately 5:26 p.m. when he allegedly hit the two teens. Both victims were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at local hospitals.
Following an extensive investigation, Battiloro was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and multiple traffic violations. Initially, his identity was withheld due to his age, but after his case was transferred to adult court, his name was publicly released. Battiloro is now facing adult charges in the Criminal Part of Superior Court in Union County.
The incident has raised significant concerns within the community, especially regarding the suspect's alleged behavior prior to the fatal crash. According to reports, Battiloro was accused of "swatting" the Niotis family's home twice in the weeks leading up to the incident. "Swatting" refers to the act of making false reports to emergency services, often leading to a heavy police response. The family's attorney, Brent Bramnick, stated that after the first alleged swatting incident, police were informed, but there is no information suggesting that an investigation was conducted. In the second incident, police arrived at the family's doorstep, with Battiloro reportedly parked in front of their house.
Maria Niotis' mother, Foulla Niotis, expressed her belief that the suspect had planned the attack and felt "untouchable" due to his family connections in law enforcement. She criticized local police for not taking action when the family reported the suspect's alleged stalking behavior. "They should have done a lot. They didn't do anything," Niotis said. "They didn't do anything to help my baby."
The case has garnered widespread attention, highlighting concerns about juvenile crime and the adequacy of law enforcement responses to early warning signs. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains in mourning, seeking justice for the two young lives lost in this tragic event.