Overview

• Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, died after an SUV struck them in Cranford; a 17-year-old suspect is in custody on two first-degree murder counts.
• Authorities have not released the suspect’s name under juvenile rules, while local reporting identifies him as Vincent Battiloro of Garwood based on neighbor accounts and court records.
• Municipal records cited by outlets list roughly 15 traffic citations tied to the suspect, including leaving the scene, reckless driving, speeding, and lacking required documents.
• The victims’ families contend the killings were premeditated and allege months of stalking, with reports of a restraining order; prosecutors have not confirmed those claims during the ongoing investigation.
• Outlets reviewed a YouTube livestream the teen posted after the incident, where he called it a “tragic accident,” as the community holds memorials and announces funeral services; Westfield’s police chief, a relative, publicly condemned the alleged actions.