This statement regarding the two New Jersey girls is accurate. On September 29, 2025, two 17-year-old Cranford High School students, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were tragically killed while riding an e-bike when a black 2021 Jeep struck them at around 5:30 p.m. Both girls later died at the hospital. The suspect, identified as Vincent P. Battiloro, was driving approximately 70 mph in a 25 mph zone, according to court records, and was arrested on October 1 on two counts of first-degree murder. Officials noted that prior to the crash, Battiloro had expressed hostility toward Niotis and her family in livestreams, claimed false allegations had led to his school suspension, and engaged in harassing behavior, including ordering pizzas to their home with the message, “Have fun with your pizza, you dips---” (People). Friends and family reported that Niotis had filed a restraining order against him due to his threatening behavior. CBS News highlights community concerns, quoting a friend, “The adults in this town failed her, in this world failed her. This is just another example that we don't pay attention until it's too late.” The families describe the incident as intentional, emphasizing that it was not an accident or a simple hit-and-run. Overall, this tragedy shows how stalking, online harassment, and a lack of early action can lead to devastating consequences. It’s a reminder that even small warning signs should be taken seriously, because paying attention early on can save lives.
These are the articles found:
https://people.com/cranford-nj-teen-hit-and-run-ebike-chilling-livestream-11825096.
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/isabella-salas-wake-cranford-new-jersey-hit-and-run/.
