Vincent Battiloro, an 18-year-old resident of Garwood, New Jersey, will stand trial as an adult on first-degree murder charges following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the lives of two 17-year-old girls in September 2025. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday that Battiloro’s case has been transferred from juvenile court to the Criminal Part of Superior Court in Union County. His identity, previously withheld due to his minor status at the time of the alleged crimes, can now be publicly disclosed following the waiver to adult court.
The decision to prosecute Battiloro as an adult marks a significant development in a case that has deeply affected the Cranford community. Prosecutors allege the then-17-year-old struck Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis while they were riding an electric bike on September 29, 2025, at approximately 5:26 p.m. Both victims were transported to nearby medical facilities, where they were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Emergency calls reveal chaotic crash scene
Audio recordings from 911 calls and police reports obtained through public records requests paint a disturbing picture of the aftermath. Multiple witnesses contacted emergency dispatchers immediately following the collision, describing a scene of devastation. One caller reported that a 2021 black Jeep Compass, identified by authorities as the vehicle Battiloro was driving, “flew down the road and hit people,” adding that one victim was unresponsive at the scene.
The same caller told dispatchers there was “someone underneath a car,” emphasizing the severity of the situation by stating, “This is really bad.” Another emergency caller reported, “Nobody’s conscious. Everyone’s stunned, not moving.” A third caller’s distressed voice captured the urgency of the moment: “There’s a girl on the road, and there’s a car! Oh my God, please hurry!”
Investigation timeline and arrest details
Following the fatal collision, Battiloro was initially detained for questioning by law enforcement. According to Lauren Farinas, Public Information Officer for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect was released after initial questioning and returned to his father’s custody. Public records indicate that Battiloro’s father contacted law enforcement following the crash. Two days later, on October 1, authorities arrested Battiloro and formally charged him with two counts of first-degree murder alongside multiple traffic violations.
The extensive investigation involved coordination between local police departments and county prosecutors. The decision to pursue first-degree murder charges, rather than lesser vehicular homicide charges, suggests prosecutors believe they can demonstrate elements beyond reckless driving, such as intent or extreme indifference to human life.
Mother alleges stalking and police inaction
Foulla Niotis, mother of victim Maria Niotis, has publicly expressed her belief that the crash was not accidental. She told media outlets that she believes the suspect “planned” the attack and thought he was “untouchable” because he had relatives working in law enforcement. These allegations have added another layer of complexity to an already tragic case.
The grieving mother further alleged that local police failed to respond adequately after her family reported that Battiloro had been stalking her daughter prior to the fatal incident. “They should have done a lot. They didn’t do anything,” Niotis stated. “They didn’t do anything to help my baby.” Her frustration reflects broader concerns about how authorities handle stalking complaints and whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy.
Legal proceedings and community impact
The transfer to adult court significantly increases the potential penalties Battiloro faces if convicted. First-degree murder charges in New Jersey carry severe sentences, including the possibility of life imprisonment. The case will now proceed through the adult criminal justice system, where procedures differ substantially from juvenile proceedings in terms of transparency, sentencing guidelines, and long-term consequences.
- Battiloro faces two counts of first-degree murder in adult court.
- Multiple traffic offenses have also been filed against the defendant.
- The case has been transferred from juvenile to Superior Court jurisdiction.
- Community members have expressed support for the victims’ families throughout the proceedings.
The Cranford community continues to process the loss of Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis, both described by those who knew them as vibrant young women with promising futures. Foulla Niotis concluded her statements with a clear demand: “I want justice for Maria and Isabella. That’s what I want.” As the case moves forward through the criminal justice system, prosecutors will need to present evidence supporting the serious charges while the defense prepares its response to allegations that could result in life imprisonment for the young defendant.
