Teen murder suspect allegedly swatted victim's home weeks before deadly hit-and-run: lawyer
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EXCLUSIVE: Authorities in New Jersey have released the 911 call recordings from a tragic incident involving an alleged hit-and-run that claimed the lives of two teenage girls.

Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis lost their lives on September 29 while riding an electric bicycle. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office reported that a 17-year-old male allegedly struck them with his vehicle at approximately 5:26 p.m. in Cranford, New Jersey. The girls, both aged 17, were pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed by Fox News Digital, as he has not been charged as an adult.

According to police, the suspect was behind the wheel of a 2021 black Jeep Compass during the incident. He now faces two counts of first-degree murder in addition to several traffic violations.

Through a Freedom of Information Act request, Fox News Digital accessed the 911 call recordings and police documentation, which reveal that the suspect was released to his father following the alleged crime. The records further indicate that the suspect’s father contacted the police at some point after the accident.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas pictured in an edit in front of the crime scene

The tragic deaths of the two teenagers in this alleged hit-and-run have shocked the community, while authorities continue their investigation into the involvement of the 17-year-old suspect.

One person who called 911 said the suspect’s black SUV “flew down the road and hit people” and reported one of the victims was unresponsive.

The same person said there was “someone underneath a car,” adding, “This is really bad.”

“Nobody’s conscious,” said another caller. “Everyone’s stunned, not moving.”

“There’s a girl on the road, and there’s a car! Oh my god, please hurry!” another person said.

A separate caller, asked about the victim who was under the car, said it was “not looking good.”

Memorial for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.

A memorial for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. (FOX 5)

One of the callers told the 911 operator the suspect “took off” after the incident, headed toward the downtown area.

“It was flying, it was black. That’s all I know,” the caller could be heard saying.

“The car looks like it’s about to catch fire,” another 911 caller said.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Public Information Officer Lauren Farinas said the suspect was detained after the incident for questioning and released.

“Shortly after the incident on Monday, Sept. 29, the suspect was detained and questioned by law enforcement officers. The suspect was subsequently released pending further investigation. Officers then arrested the suspect on Wednesday morning, Oct. 1, after complaints were approved for two counts of first-degree murder,” Farinas wrote.

The 17-year-old is currently in custody, she said.

Niotis’ mother, Foulla Niotis, told Fox News in a previous interview that the suspect “planned” the attack and thought he was “untouchable” because he had relatives working in law enforcement.

She said local police didn’t take action when the family reported the suspect to law enforcement after he was allegedly stalking her daughter.

Foulla Niotis cries during an exclusive interview.

Foulla Niotis becomes emotional while speaking about her daughter’s death.  (Fox News)

“They should have done a lot. They didn’t do anything,” Niotis said of local law enforcement. “They didn’t do anything to help my baby.

“I want justice for Maria and Isabella. That’s what I want.”

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