Cranford, New Jersey — A 17-year-old boy faces two counts of murder for allegedly running over two teenage girls riding electric bikes, as announced by local prosecutors on Wednesday. Authorities have chosen not to disclose the suspect’s identity due to his age.
The victims, identified by family members as Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were both students at Cranford High School. Reports from neighbors indicate that the suspect had been stalking Niotis for an extended period, parking outside her home regularly for the last three months without intervention from law enforcement.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday evening around 5:30 p.m. on Burnside Avenue, a residential street in Cranford, located about 20 miles southwest of Central Park. The girls were riding their bikes when they were struck by a black SUV, prompting immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, both were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at local hospitals.
Initially, the driver fled the scene, but law enforcement apprehended him soon after. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the murder charges were the result of a thorough investigation, which included community input and evidence collection.
In a proactive effort to gather more information, investigators announced a $10,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest and indictment. They specifically requested that community members review their video footage for any sightings of a black Jeep Compass with tinted windows around the time of the accident.
William Daniel, the Union County Prosecutor, expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance during the investigation, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in resolving such sensitive cases. Reports indicated that Niotis had previously filed complaints and sought a restraining order against the suspect, but nothing had been carried out prior to the fatal crash, raising concerns among neighbors about the effectiveness of local enforcement.
The community has come together to mourn the loss of the two girls, organizing a vigil that drew numerous participants on Tuesday night. An online fundraiser started for the victims’ families has quickly gained traction, raising nearly $100,000 by Wednesday afternoon.
This tragic incident has sparked conversations about teen safety and the need for effective measures to address stalking behaviors. As the investigation continues, the community remains shocked and united in support of the families affected by this heartbreaking event.