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
Man confronts mom over screaming baby in restaurant

Patron Addresses Noise Concerns with Mother of Crying Baby in Restaurant

A mother fiercely defended her eight-month-old after a man asked her to…
ICE Chicago actions 'not striking the proper balance': Former Illinois GOP chair

Former Illinois GOP Leader Criticizes ICE Chicago for ‘Imbalanced Actions’

() Federal agents are facing growing scrutiny over their interactions with protesters…
OnlyFans surge on college campuses sparks new safety fears as experts warn of hidden dangers

OnlyFans surge on college campuses sparks new safety fears as experts warn of hidden dangers

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A startling trend sweeping…
'I take full responsibility' Sean Combs asks for light sentence in apology letter to judge

Sean Combs Accepts Full Accountability, Seeks Leniency in Written Apology to Judge

Hours before he is set to be sentenced for two prostitution-related convictions,…
Trump-Epstein statues make return to National Mall

Statues of Trump and Epstein Reappear on the National Mall

(The Hill) Statues depicting President Donald Trump and the late convicted sex…
Florida waterfront trail to honor wrestling legend Hulk Hogan

Florida Waterfront Path to Celebrate Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan

Florida residents and tourists will be able to memorialize “the Hulkster” by…
Guilt-ridden Diddy admits he 'would be better off dead'

Tormented Diddy confesses he feels ‘better off dead’

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has shared that he once thought he would be…
Trump has 'determined' the U.S. is in 'armed conflict' with cartels, administration tells Congress

Trump Declares ‘Armed Conflict’ Status With Cartels, Administration Informs Congress

The Trump administration informed Congress in a confidential notice this week that…