Families claim teen murder suspect was 'plotting' deadly hit-and-run for months before killing two girls
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The families of two girls who died after authorities said a 17-year-old boy killed them in a hit-and-run incident claim the suspect has been “plotting” it for months.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were killed on Monday while riding an electric bike when an unnamed 17-year-old male allegedly hit them both at around 5:26 p.m., according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

The two girls, both 17, were pronounced dead after arriving at area hospitals.

The driver of the car, from Garwood, New Jersey, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Police said the suspect was driving a 2021 black Jeep Compass at the time of the crash.

Police officers gather at the scene where two teens were killed.

Police officers gather at the scene where two teenagers were killed. (Fox 5)

“He’s been parked outside her house for three months now. He was never stopped,” a neighbor said, FOX 5 reported.

“She made complaints and nothing was done,” family friend Tammy Carbajal told CBS. “It’s just a tragedy. It’s just a tragedy.”

While the suspect hasn’t been named, Westfield, New Jersey, Police Chief Christopher Battiloro wrote in a lengthy statement that he’s related to the individual accused of mowing down the two girls.

“While social media has made it known that the accused is related to me, he is not my son and not a member of my immediate family. I want to be clear, as loud and as firm as possible, that in NO WAY do my wife, children or I condone, defend or excuse the actions that caused this terrible and tragic loss of life,” Battiloro said. “As a result of this tragic incident, I lost a neighbor – a beautiful, charismatic young lady named Isabella Salas, who I have watched grow up since the day I moved to Cranford.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP food aid from Democrat-led states unless they provide recipient records

Trump Administration to Withhold SNAP Aid from Certain States Over Record Disclosure Dispute

In a recent development from Washington, President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans…
Domestic violence case against Tuscaloosa police commander dismissed

Charges Dropped: Tuscaloosa Police Commander’s Domestic Violence Case Closed

In a surprising turn of events, charges against Kermit “Kip” Hart, a…
Sabrina Carpenter sizzles in see-through dress in new shoot

Sabrina Carpenter Dazzles in Stylish Sheer Dress for Latest Photo Shoot

Sabrina Carpenter didn’t let the criticism over her album cover for “Man’s…
Actress Sarah Paulson gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Actress Sarah Paulson Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Sarah Paulson, celebrated for her Emmy and…
Judge blocks ICE from making warrantless arrests in DC without flight-risk proof

DC Court Halts ICE Warrantless Arrests: New Ruling Requires Flight-Risk Justification

A federal judge issued a ruling on Tuesday that curtails the Trump…
Jacksonville man sentenced to 270 years for producing, distributing child sexual abuse images

Jacksonville Resident Receives 270-Year Sentence for Child Exploitation and Distribution of Illegal Images

On August 12, 2025, Joshua Davis was convicted for his involvement in…
Massive 14-foot shark dies after being stranded on Massachusetts beach during migration

14-Foot Shark Found Deceased on Massachusetts Beach Amid Migration

A tragic event unfolded off the coast of Massachusetts earlier this week…
California Christian college student founds pro-life club after school rejects Students for Life chapter

California Christian College Student Launches New Pro-Life Club Following School’s Rejection of Students for Life Chapter

A determined pro-life student at a Christian college in California has successfully…