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
‘Air Force F-16 commander William 'Skate' Parks earns rare Silver Star for Middle East mission

Heroic Valor: Air Force F-16 Commander William ‘Skate’ Parks Awarded Prestigious Silver Star for Daring Middle East Mission

Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks, an accomplished Air Force F-16 commander, has…
De'Avion Smith, bicyclist killed in Elwood, IL hit-and-run crash near Route 53 and Tehle Road, remembered as beacon of positivity

Tragic Loss: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of De’Avion Smith After Elwood, IL Hit-and-Run

In Elwood, Illinois, emotions ran high on Tuesday evening as a fundraiser…
Church sparks controversy with empty Nativity scene and ICE enforcement message: 'Politicizing Christmas'

Church’s Empty Nativity Scene with ICE Message Ignites Debate Over Christmas and Immigration Politics

A church in Massachusetts has ignited debate due to a notable absence…
Country Ever After star Criscilla Anderson dies age 45

Country Ever After’s Criscilla Anderson Passes Away at 45: A Tribute to Her Life and Legacy

Renowned for her role in Country Ever After, Criscilla Anderson has passed…
Nancy Mace responds to rumors sweeping Capitol Hill

Nancy Mace Sets the Record Straight: Tackling Capitol Hill Rumors Head-On

Nancy Mace recently aired her dissatisfaction with the current GOP leadership, but…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Northside Jacksonville Shooting: Man Injured in Violent Altercation at Girlfriend’s Residence

A late-night shooting on Jacksonville’s Northside has left a man hospitalized with…
Maserati-driving GOP staffer ordered to get psych treatment

GOP Staffer With Maserati Mandated to Undergo Psychological Treatment

A former GOP staffer, who staged an intricate hoax by faking her…
Dead Texas college student's phone was 'thrown in the woods,' grieving mother says

Shocking Discovery: Texas Student’s Mysterious Death Unveiled as Phone Found Discarded in Woods

The mother of a Texas A&M University student, whose body was discovered…