New Jersey Teen Charged with Murder in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident

A tragic incident unfolded in New Jersey when two teenage girls, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both aged 17, were killed in a hit-and-run collision while riding an electric bike. The suspect, identified as Vincent Battiloro, a 17-year-old from Garwood, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The case has now been transferred to juvenile court, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office has yet to issue an official statement regarding Battiloro’s identity.

Local news outlet NJ.com reported that Battiloro was identified through traffic citations and community tips. Municipal court records indicate that he has accumulated at least 15 tickets, which include serious offenses such as leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and driving without a valid license or insurance.

Witnesses have come forward alleging that Battiloro had been stalking Niotis prior to the incident. Neighbors confirmed that he was the driver involved in the fatal collision, which occurred around 17:30 on Monday, March 25, 2024, just outside Niotis’s grandmother’s residence. Eyewitnesses described the vehicle as a black 2021 Jeep with tinted windows.

Families of the victims have expressed their outrage, insisting that the tragic event was not merely an accident but a premeditated act. In a statement to Fox 5, they emphasized, “This was murder in the first degree. A coward of a man who had been plotting this attack against Maria for months carried out his horrific act, taking not only her life but also Isabella’s.”

Isabella’s father poignantly remarked on the deep bond between the two girls, stating, “Her best friend was Maria. They were hung together at the hip.” The emotional impact of this incident resonates throughout the community, as friends and family mourn the loss of the young lives taken too soon.

As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on seeking justice for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. The circumstances surrounding this tragic event highlight the urgent need for road safety and accountability among drivers, especially those with a history of reckless behavior.