A teenage stalker who deliberately killed two 17-year-old girls in a hit-and-run was briefly detained and released, spotlighting alarming flaws in the justice system’s ability to safeguard victims from known threats.
Story Highlights:
- Two 17-year-old girls, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were killed in a hit-and-run incident in Cranford, New Jersey.
- A 17-year-old suspect, Vincent Battiloro, was initially detained and released, then later arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
- The incident has raised concerns about New Jersey’s legal framework regarding restraining orders for minors.
- A petition has been initiated to lower the age requirements for obtaining restraining orders in the state.
Two 17-year-old girls, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were fatally struck by a black SUV while riding an e-bike in Cranford, New Jersey. The driver, identified as 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro of Garwood, was later charged in connection with their deaths.
NJ teen girls killed in quiet suburb by alleged stalker who ran them down in Jeep: ‘She made complaints and nothing was done’ https://t.co/drmPobvGiA pic.twitter.com/ilz8gnvlp7
— New York Post (@nypost) October 1, 2025
Authorities initially detained Battiloro for questioning on Monday evening following the 5:30 p.m. hit-and-run. He was subsequently released pending further investigation. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced Battiloro’s arrest on Tuesday morning, charging him with two counts of first-degree murder.
Reports indicate that Battiloro had allegedly been stalking one of the victims prior to the incident. Neighbors and friends had reportedly filed a restraining order, but New Jersey’s current laws prevent minors from obtaining restraining orders against other minors. This aspect of the legal system has been highlighted as a contributing factor to the tragedy.
Following the incident, a petition has garnered support advocating for a reduction in the age requirements for obtaining restraining orders in New Jersey. Community members and the victims’ families have called for legal reforms to address the current limitations.
The suspect reportedly posted video statements after the incident, claiming he was being bullied and denying the allegations. Prosecutors have stated that the first-degree murder charges reflect the intentional nature of the crime.
Watch the report: Arrest made after 2 teen girls on e-bikes killed in hit-and-run
Sources:
2 New Jersey teenagers killed in hit-and-run crash by alleged stalker
Cranford NJ hit-and-run suspect Vincent Battiloro
Cranford teens killed 17-year-old arrested 2 girls bikes hit run New Jersey
NJ restraining order petition lower age Cranford hit-and-run
