Overview
- A 17-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the Sept. 29 deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Rose Salas, both 17, in Cranford, New Jersey.
- The teen remains in custody after being detained and questioned the day of the crash and arrested Oct. 1 once complaints were approved, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
- Court records show he received 15 citations tied to the incident, including for allegedly traveling about 70 mph in a 25 mph zone, leaving the scene, and driving without a license, in a 2021 black Jeep Compass.
- Authorities continue to seek home and dashcam footage and witness tips as the investigation proceeds and prosecutors consider seeking an adult waiver.
- Families and friends allege prior stalking of Niotis and point to the suspect’s livestreams, including one days earlier expressing hostility and another afterward referencing the crash, allegations prosecutors have not confirmed.