A deadly hit-and-run incident in New Jersey has claimed the lives of two 17-year-old girls amid reports of prior stalking behavior.
Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were fatally struck Monday while riding an e-bike in what authorities describe as an intentional act by a teenage driver. The Daily Caller reported that the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. when a 2021 black Jeep with tinted windows allegedly slammed into the victims.
Both girls were Cranford High School students who died from their injuries after being transported to local hospitals. Law enforcement sources confirmed the driver fled the scene immediately following the collision.
Investigation And Arrest Details
The Cranford Police Department responded to the scene and discovered two severely injured teenagers following the hit-and-run incident. Emergency responders quickly transported both victims to nearby medical facilities for treatment of their critical injuries.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday that authorities had taken the suspected driver into custody after conducting an investigation. Officials have charged a 17-year-old boy with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
The suspect's identity has not been released due to his minor status under state law. Prosecutors are treating the case as an intentional act rather than an accidental collision based on evidence gathered during their investigation.
Prior Stalking Allegations Surface
Family members and friends revealed that both victims knew the alleged perpetrator before the fatal incident occurred. A restraining order had been filed against the teenage suspect for allegedly stalking one of the girls prior to Monday's attack.
Tammy Carbajal, a friend of both victims, expressed frustration about the lack of action taken regarding previous complaints. "She made complaints, and nothing was done," Carbajal told CBS News New York about the stalking allegations.
The stalking behavior reportedly continued for an extended period before escalating to the deadly confrontation. Community members have criticized the apparent failure to address the warning signs that preceded this tragic outcome.
Family Accounts Of Ongoing Harassment
Mike Niotus, Maria's uncle, provided additional details about the suspect's alleged behavior through social media posts. He claimed the teenage boy had followed his niece to her residence "for many months" before the fatal incident.
The family had reportedly informed police about the ongoing stalking behavior, but felt their concerns were not adequately addressed. Niotus alleged that despite their efforts to seek help, no meaningful action was taken to protect his niece.
The uncle's Facebook account detailed the family's frustrations with the response to their reports about the suspect's concerning behavior. His posts suggest a pattern of escalating harassment that culminated in Monday's deadly attack.
Community Response And Support
Both teenagers were students at Cranford High School, where their deaths have deeply impacted the school community. The loss of two young lives has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from classmates, teachers, and community members.
A GoFundMe fundraiser established to honor the victims' memory has raised over $100,000 as of publication. The significant financial support demonstrates the community's desire to help the families during this difficult time.
The Cranford Police Department has not responded to requests for additional comment about the case. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the first-degree murder charges against the teenage suspect.
