Vincent Battiloro faces two first-degree murder counts in the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.
UNION COUNTY, N.J. — An 18-year-old New Jersey man appeared in court Wednesday on adult murder charges tied to the deaths of two 17-year-old best friends struck while riding an e-bike in Cranford last year.
Vincent Battiloro, of Garwood, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. Prosecutors say Battiloro intentionally drove into the girls on Sept. 29, 2025, on Burnside Avenue. A judge ordered him to remain jailed as the case moves forward in adult court.
Police responded just before 5:30 p.m. after reports that two juvenile females had been hit by a vehicle. Niotis and Salas were taken to area hospitals, where they were pronounced dead. Prosecutors said the vehicle was a Jeep Compass and that Battiloro was found later that day. He was charged after what officials described as a comprehensive investigation.
The case had started in juvenile court because Battiloro was 17 at the time of the deaths. The move to adult court was important to the victims’ families because juvenile proceedings carry more confidentiality. Brent Bramnick, an attorney for the Niotis family, said the family was “very happy” the case had been moved because adult court allows more public access.
Attorneys for the families also raised questions about earlier reports involving Battiloro and Niotis. Bramnick said the family wants answers about how police handled claims that Battiloro had harassed Niotis and her family before the crash. “You have a mother who’s begging the police for help,” Bramnick said, adding that the family believes not enough was done.
Battiloro’s father is a retired Chatham police officer, and a relative is a police chief. Officials have not publicly said whether those connections affected any earlier response. The next phase of the case is expected to focus on evidence gathered by investigators, including the events before the crash, the vehicle, prior reports and the adult murder charges.
Battiloro remained in custody after the hearing. No trial date has been announced, and the families are waiting for the court process to move forward.
Author note: Last updated July 4, 2026.