Teen charged with murder in hit-and-run deaths of two girls in New Jersey
- Two 17-year-old girls were struck while riding e-bikes in Cranford, N.J. and later died from their injuries.
- The driver of the black SUV fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged with murder.
- The community is mourning the loss and demanding justice for the victims amid allegations of previous stalking.
In Cranford, New Jersey, two teenage girls tragically lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle while riding e-bikes on Monday evening, shortly before 5:30 p.m. They were identified as 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. Reports indicate that the black SUV that hit them did not stop and fled the scene. The girls were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to their injuries. This incident has deeply affected the local community, which has since created a memorial at the crash site with flowers, candles, and balloons. The driver of the black SUV was apprehended later that evening, and while no immediate charges were announced, further investigations by the Union County prosecutor's office led to significant developments. A 17-year-old male from Garwood was subsequently charged with two counts of first degree murder in relation to the hit-and-run incident. The shocking circumstances surrounding the events are exacerbated by claims from friends and relatives of the victims, who maintain that this was not a mere accident, outlining a troubling history involving the driver stalking one of the girls, leading to a restraining order being filed against him. The community’s grief has been palpable, with friends sharing their memories of the victims. Salas was remembered for her beautiful singing voice and enthusiastic spirit, while Niotis was described as a kind and fun person. The tragedy struck close to home for many, prompting urgent calls from local residents for justice to be served and for deeper inquiries into the allegations regarding the driver. Local authorities are now seeking help from the community to provide surveillance footage that might shed light on the incident and verify the account of the events leading up to the collision. This incident not only highlights the dangers faced by young riders in residential areas but also raises questions regarding the responses to complaints about harassment, particularly in cases where serious outcomes are involved. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are advocating for justice against what they see as a failure of the system to protect their loved ones.