Overview

• Authorities charged a 17-year-old with two counts of first-degree murder on Wednesday in the deaths of Cranford High students Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, and his identity remains withheld because the case is in juvenile court.
• Police say a black Jeep struck the girls around 5:30 p.m. Monday on Burnside Avenue, the driver fled, and he was arrested after the vehicle became disabled a short distance away.
• The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has asked residents to submit any home or dashcam footage as the homicide investigation continues.
• Families and neighbors allege the teen had stalked one victim for months and claim a restraining order had been filed, assertions reported by media that authorities have not independently confirmed.
• Funeral and wake plans for both teens have been announced, and the suspect is related to Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro, who issued a statement condemning the alleged actions.