The families of two teenage girls killed in a tragic accident in Cranford, New Jersey, claim that the boy charged with their murders had been stalking one of the victims for months. The suspect, 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro, is accused of deliberately running down Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis while they were biking on Monday night.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, Battiloro allegedly drove his 2021 black Jeep Compass at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. The crash occurred around ten miles southwest of Newark as both girls, aged 17, rode their e-bikes. Following the incident, Battiloro abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
He was initially taken in for questioning that night but was released. However, by the following morning, he faced arrest and was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Allegations of Stalking
The families of Salas and Niotis allege that Battiloro had been planning the attack and had been stalking Niotis. They described him as a “coward” who had plotted the tragic event for an extended period. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the victim and Battiloro knew each other, and tensions may have arisen following a breakup.
Family members also noted that a restraining order against Battiloro had been filed before the fatal incident.
Post-Incident Reactions
In a curious twist, after the crash, Battiloro participated in a 20-minute YouTube livestream where he claimed misinformation was circulating about him. He expressed his condolences for the girls and mentioned there was more to the story. Battiloro described himself as a “nice kid” and lamented the effect of allegations on his life.
He is currently in custody, with prosecutors remaining vague about his court appearance details. On top of the murder charges, he faces over 15 traffic citations related to the crash, including reckless driving and operating a vehicle without a license.
Community Response
- Neighbors expressed horror upon witnessing the aftermath of the crash.
- Local residents described the incident as devastating for the community.
A relative of Salas expressed sorrow over the loss, highlighting the youth of the victims and the tragic nature of their death. A wake for Salas and a funeral for Niotis were held over the weekend.
Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe page established by a colleague of one of the girls’ parents had raised over $161,000 for the families by Sunday evening. Additionally, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office is actively investigating the case and seeking witnesses or any video footage of the incident.
