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
Historic Marineland faces uncertain future as supporters push for preserving site's legacy

Preserve or Perish? The Fight to Save Marineland’s Historic Legacy

Marineland’s future hangs in the balance as bankruptcy looms, raising concerns about…
New treatment destroys 90% of skin cancer cells in just 30 minutes

Innovative Therapy Eradicates 90% of Skin Cancer Cells in Just 30 Minutes

Scientists have unveiled a revolutionary light therapy capable of destroying cancer cells…
President Trump gives 'complete and total endorsement' for Randy Fine's re-election campaign

Trump’s Unwavering Support: Randy Fine Secures ‘Complete and Total Endorsement’ for Re-Election

President Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Congressman Randy Fine…
Animal welfare activist Zoe Rosenberg is arrested on a warrant by Sonoma County sheriff

California Woman’s Trial for Chicken Theft Brings National Attention to Slaughterhouse Practices

The ongoing trial of a California woman has captured the nation’s attention,…
‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Showrunners Explain that “Really Eerie” ‘Music Man’ Cold Open

Unveiling the Chilling ‘Music Man’ Cold Open: Inside ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ with the Showrunners

The premiere episode of IT: Welcome to Derry kicks off with a…
‘Gilmore Girls’ star Sally Struthers reveals hilarious unscripted moment that made it onscreen

Unscripted Comedy Gold: Sally Struthers Shares Iconic ‘Gilmore Girls’ Moment That Captivated Fans

She truly gave it her all. In a delightful twist, Sally Struthers,…
Trump offers new warning on Tylenol for pregnant women

Trump Issues Urgent Advisory on Tylenol Use During Pregnancy: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump has reiterated his cautionary…
President Donald Trump, left, and Japan

Trump Commends Japan’s New Prime Minister, Affirms US-Japan Alliance as ‘Stronger Than Ever

In Tokyo, President Donald Trump embarked on one of the most packed…