- Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were vibrant 17-year-olds with promising futures tragically cut short.
- Vincent Battiloro, the accused stalker, deliberately ran over the girls at high speed and fled the scene.
- The accused had a history of reckless and illegal driving, raising concerns about enforcement and intervention.
- Family and community outrage focuses on the stalking element, framing this as premeditated murder.
The tragic incident involving the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas has deeply shocked the New Jersey community and beyond. Both 17 years old, these young girls were fatally struck by Vincent Battiloro, a 17-year-old accused stalker who deliberately hit them while they were riding an electric bike.
Vincent Battiloro has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, marking a heartbreaking chapter in a story marked not only by loss but by a disturbing backdrop of stalking and negligence.
Maria Niotis Biography
Maria Niotis was a vibrant 17-year-old who was born in Greece and lived most of her life in Cranford, New Jersey. Her mother, Foulla Niotis, described Maria as a passionate and beautiful soul. Maria aspired to become a makeup artist, not only to create glamour but to help others rediscover their inner beauty.
Just a week before her untimely death, she had started her first job at the Cake Artist Café, signaling her eagerness to build a future. Maria was remembered as someone with big plans and a heart full of enthusiasm for helping others feel beautiful. Her funeral was held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, surrounded by family, friends, and the community mourning the loss of someone so full of life and kindness.
These 2 girls were stalked and harassed and then murdered by a crazed right winger . Say their names. Demand Justice . This is political violence and women / girls always suffer the most under it . Justice for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. pic.twitter.com/Jewj7L95Lr
— ☭ 🎃CAI🎃☭ (fan account) (@AKISTALLI) October 3, 2025
Isabella Salas Biography
Isabella Salas, also 17, was Maria’s best friend and shared a similarly warm and bright presence. She was an active member of her community, participating in the Celebration Singers Choir, Cranford High School Concert Choir, and various theatrical productions.
Her obituary described her as kind, generous, and deeply loved by family and friends. Isabella’s love for theater and music showed her creative spirit, which endeared her to many who knew her. Her funeral services took place in Cranford, with many mourning the loss of a young life full of talent and promise.
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The Incident: Stalker Vincent Battiloro’s Attack
The harrowing event took place on a Monday evening when Maria and Isabella were riding an e-bike on Burnside Avenue in Cranford. Vincent Battiloro, who had reportedly been stalking Maria for months, drove his vehicle recklessly, striking the girls at high speed, around 70 mph in a 25 mph zone, before fleeing the scene. Police received multiple reports about Vincent’s dangerous driving and issuing him over 15 summonses for violations including reckless driving, leaving the scene of the accident, and driving without a license or insurance.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief, revealing that Vincent had parked outside one of the girls’ homes repeatedly, with no intervention by authorities. The families of the victims have condemned the act as deliberate murder, emphasizing that the tragedy was not an accident but a planned attack by a stalker. The incident is currently under juvenile court proceedings, and Vincent faces severe legal consequences.
Vincent Battiloro’s Disturbing Behavior and Statements
In the aftermath, Vincent Battiloro posted a chilling 22-minute livestream video where he expressed his “sincerest condolences” to the victims but also claimed there was “more to the story.”
Vincent Battiloro.
Son of Chatham Officer Jeffrey Battiloro.
Nephew of Westfield Chief of Police Christopher Battiloro.
Grandson of former Westfield Fire Chief Paul Battiloro.
(Allegedly)
Here is the livestream he posted hours after his release. pic.twitter.com/DBDrc1QQnt
— Paul Danner (@Paul_Danner_) October 1, 2025
He lamented about being bullied and threatened but did not provide clarifications on his actions, leaving a dark cloud of suspicion and unease. This video underscores the troubling mental and emotional state of the accused before his arrest and reflects the gravity of the stalking and harassment that premised this tragedy.
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