CRANFORD, NJ – Outrage is growing in Union County following the tragic deaths of two 17-year-old girls, Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis, who were killed in a horrific incident on Monday, September 29, 2025. The deaths occurred when police allege that the driver of a black Jeep, 17-year-old Vincent P. Battiloro, deliberately struck the girls while they were riding an e-bike on Burnside Avenue in Cranford. The crash, which authorities have classified as intentional, has sparked public outrage, especially due to the suspect’s familial ties to the local police chief.

The Fatal Incident

The tragic event unfolded around 5:30 p.m. when Isabella and Maria were riding their e-bike on Burnside Avenue, a residential street in Cranford, New Jersey. According to the authorities, Battiloro, who was driving west on the road, crossed the center line and struck the girls head-on, causing them to be thrown from their bike. Both girls were critically injured in the crash and later succumbed to their injuries.

Following the incident, Battiloro fled the scene of the crash, but was later located by authorities. Police responded quickly to the scene and found the two girls severely injured. They were both rushed to nearby hospitals, where they were later pronounced dead. The police later confirmed that Battiloro was 17 years old and had been driving without a license, registration, or insurance card at the time of the crash. He also received citations for reckless driving, careless driving, speeding, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Murder Charges and Allegations of Premeditation

In an update from local law enforcement, prosecutors confirmed that Battiloro faces multiple charges, including murder. Prosecutors have asserted that the crash was not accidental and that Battiloro intentionally struck the two girls. The charges against him reflect the severity of the situation, with murder charges being pursued following an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

The investigation revealed that Maria had previously reported being stalked by Battiloro. According to the families of the victims, Battiloro had been targeting Maria for months, with the attack being premeditated. The families of the victims have issued a joint statement, condemning Battiloro’s actions and calling for accountability. “It is now vital that the truth be shared: this was not an e-bike accident, and it was not a hit-and-run,” the families wrote. “He had been plotting this attack against Maria for months, carried out this horrific act, taking not only her life but also Isabella’s.”

These allegations have raised questions about Battiloro’s behavior in the months leading up to the incident, with claims that he had been harassing and stalking Maria. The families of the victims have labeled the incident as “murder in the first degree,” a sentiment that has been echoed by many in the community who feel that the incident was not only tragic but entirely preventable.

Vincent Battiloro’s Family Connection to Law Enforcement

The case has garnered even more attention due to the fact that Battiloro is the nephew of Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro. Chief Battiloro confirmed the family connection but clarified that the teen was not his son or part of his immediate household. In a statement, the police chief expressed his deep shock and distress over the events that transpired. “I condemn these actions,” said Chief Battiloro. “My neighborhood feels violated, and we are grieving. I am shocked, stunned, and so overwhelmingly distressed beyond belief by the horrific loss of two young ladies.”

The connection between the suspect and the police chief has led to accusations of potential favoritism and a lack of accountability. Local residents and advocacy groups have criticized law enforcement for not doing enough to prevent the situation, especially given the alleged stalking and harassment that had been reported. Many are calling for an independent investigation into the police department’s handling of the case.

Public Outrage and Criticism of Police Oversight

The deaths of Isabella and Maria have sparked fierce public criticism, with many questioning whether law enforcement took adequate action to protect the victims, particularly in light of the allegations that Battiloro had been stalking Maria. The incident has led to widespread protests and demands for a full investigation into the role of law enforcement in this tragedy.

Jersey Coast Emergency News, a local advocacy group, issued a statement condemning the actions of Battiloro and accusing the police of failing to protect the victims. “The facts are two teenage girls are dead after his nephew ran them over,” the statement read. “One of the girls reported that the boy was stalking her. We fail to protect women. We fail to protect victims. We protect bad police officers and their families. Good cops struggle with this.”

The group went on to call for an overhaul of the police department and the justice system, demanding that law enforcement officers be held accountable for their inaction. “This is about two teenage girls that are dead and will never be able to walk at their high school graduations, be able to go to college, live their full potential,” the statement continued. “This is about four parents sitting at an empty dinner table tonight because their children are dead and never coming back.”

Legal Proceedings and Future Steps

As Battiloro is under investigation, the case is currently being handled in family court due to his age. However, New Jersey law allows juveniles over the age of 15 to be tried as adults in cases involving serious crimes such as homicide. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek a waiver to move Battiloro’s case to adult court, but it remains a possibility.

If Battiloro’s case is moved to adult court, it could lead to more severe charges and a harsher sentence, should he be convicted. Many community members and advocates are calling for Battiloro to be held fully accountable for the deaths of Isabella and Maria, citing the premeditated nature of the attack and the alleged history of stalking.

Funeral Arrangements and Memorials

As the community grapples with the tragic loss of two bright young lives, funeral arrangements for Isabella and Maria have been scheduled. Maria Niotis’ visitation will be held on Thursday evening, followed by a service on Friday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, New Jersey. Isabella Salas’ visitation will be on Saturday at Dooley Funeral Home in Cranford, with a graveside service on Monday at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.

Both families have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community during this difficult time, and friends, classmates, and teammates of the victims have been sharing their condolences and memories on social media. Memorial services and tribute events are also being planned to honor the lives of Isabella and Maria.

Conclusion

The tragic deaths of Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis have left a profound impact on the Union County community and beyond. The public demands justice for the victims and accountability for the actions of Vincent Battiloro, who is facing serious charges in connection with their deaths. The case has prompted widespread discussions about the need for greater protection against stalking and harassment, as well as increased accountability within law enforcement agencies.

As the investigation continues and legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on seeking justice for Isabella and Maria, ensuring that their families are supported, and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.