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
Logan Paul causes stir as he gives financial advice live on-air

Logan Paul’s Controversial Financial Advice Sparks Debate During Live Broadcast

Logan Paul has stirred up a mix of opinions with his recent…
Trump vows no 'Bad Santas' in America, piles praise on Christmas Eve

Trump Pledges to Keep ‘Bad Santas’ Out of America, Celebrates Christmas Eve Spirit

First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump continued a cherished tradition…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV shares message of peace on 1st Christmas as pontiff in Vatican City

Chicago Native Pope Leo XIV Delivers Inspiring Peace Message in First Vatican Christmas Address

In Vatican City, a sense of anticipation fills the air as Pope…
NORAD continues decades-long tradition of tracking Santa's trip around the world

NORAD Keeps Holiday Magic Alive by Tracking Santa’s Global Journey

In the lead-up to Christmas, the excitement surrounding Santa Claus reaches a…
PICTURED: What to eat on Christmas if you're on Ozempic or biohacking

Discover Festive Feast Ideas for Ozempic Users and Biohackers This Christmas

For most people, Christmas is one of those rare occasions when dietary…
Poland scrambles jets on Christmas after detecting Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace

Poland Mobilizes Fighter Jets on Christmas Day in Response to Russian Aircraft Near Airspace

On Thursday, Poland launched fighter jets in response to the detection of…
Did anyone win the $1.6 billion jackpot? Powerball winning numbers

Unveiling the Fortune: Top 10 Record-Breaking US Lottery Jackpots of All Time

Since 2016, the United States has witnessed an impressive ten lottery jackpots…
Raw oysters linked to a multistate salmonella outbreak that has sickened 64 people

Salmonella Outbreak: 64 Cases Traced to Contaminated Raw Oysters Across Multiple States

Health authorities have raised concerns about the unusually high rate of hospitalizations…