Alleged stalker detained then released after girls’ hit-and-run deaths, arrested days later: officials
Share this @internewscast.com

A 17-year-old male, suspected of a fatal hit-and-run involving two teenage girls, is also alleged to have been involved in two “swatting” incidents targeting one of the victims’ homes just weeks before the tragic event.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were struck and killed while riding an electric bike on September 29. The incident occurred around 5:26 p.m., according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Both girls, aged 17, were declared dead shortly after being taken to nearby hospitals. Due to the suspect’s age and the fact that he hasn’t been charged as an adult, his identity remains undisclosed.

Brent Bramnick, representing Maria Niotis’ family, revealed to Fox News Digital that the suspect is accused of making false emergency calls—referred to as swatting—targeting the family’s residence in Cranford, New Jersey, twice in September. These incidents reportedly occurred between September 1 and 15.

Following the first swatting incident, Bramnick noted that the police were alerted. However, he mentioned that he has no information indicating any follow-up investigation by the authorities.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas pictured in an edit in front of the crime scene

Tragically, two teens lost their lives in the hit-and-run, with authorities pointing to a 17-year-old male as the alleged perpetrator.

During the second swatting incident, Bramnick stated that police arrived at the family’s residence, only to find the 17-year-old suspect parked outside their home.

“She tells the police that there is the juvenile defendant over there,” Bramnick said.

After police talked with the now-murder suspect, Niotis’ mother, Foulla, was told by officers that the juvenile would be released to his father, Bramnick said.

Memorial for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.

A memorial was set up for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. (FOX 5)

After the two incidents, Bramnick said the Niotis family wants to know “what went on?”

“What investigation, if any, went on after all that the family reported and all the information that the police had in their possession. That’s the question. So we need those questions answered,” Bramnick said. “And that’s why we’re involved, because we’re doing our own investigations to try to get to the bottom of those questions.”

The driver of the car, from Garwood, New Jersey, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Police said the suspect was driving a 2021 black Jeep Compass at the time of the crash.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Public Information Officer Lauren Farinas said that the suspect was detained after the incident for questioning, but released.

“Shortly after the incident on Monday, Sept. 29, the suspect was detained and questioned by law enforcement officers. The suspect was subsequently released pending further investigation. Officers then arrested the suspect on Wednesday morning, Oct. 1, after complaints were approved for two counts of first-degree murder,” Farinas wrote.

The 17-year-old is currently in custody, she added.

Foulla Niotis cries during an exclusive interview.

Foulla Niotis becomes emotional while speaking about her daughter’s death.  (Fox News)

Foulla Niotis told Fox News previously that the suspect “planned” the attack and thought he was “untouchable” because he had relatives working in law enforcement.

She said that local police didn’t take action when they reported the suspect to law enforcement after he was allegedly stalking Maria.

“They should have done a lot. They didn’t do anything,” Niotis said of local law enforcement. “They didn’t do anything to help my baby.”

“I want justice for Maria and Isabella. That’s what I want,” she added.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Cranford Police Department for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NFL's Roger Goodell's Weakness on Full Display With Response About Choosing Bad Bunny for Super Bowl

Roger Goodell Faces Criticism Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Choice

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s tenure appears overdue for an end, especially after…
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich shares message from Catholic Church to undocumented immigrants in US

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich Delivers Important Message to Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

CHICAGO — Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago released a series of videos…
'Chicago P.D.' star Patrick John Flueger takes sudden leave of absence

Chicago P.D. Star Patrick John Flueger Announces Unexpected Leave of Absence: What Fans Need to Know

Adam Ruzek is stepping away from the Intelligence Unit — at least…
Putnam man arrested for threats toward neighbor

Putnam Resident Arrested for Alleged Threats Against Neighbor: Community Safety Concerns Rise

A man has been accused of threatening a neighbor and her family…
Former ESPN Host Blasts Boy Competing Against Daughter

Ex-ESPN Host Criticizes Boy Competing Against His Daughter in Sports Event

Outrage Erupts as Christian Ponder’s Wife Criticizes Transgender Participation in Girls’ Sports…
Kim Iversen Highlights Assault Allegations in Giuffre’s Memoir

Kim Iversen Sheds Light on Explosive Assault Allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s Revealing Memoir

During a recent episode of The Kim Iversen Show, independent journalist Kim Iversen…
Protests erupt as ICE agents raid NYC Chinatown street vendors allegedly selling counterfeit goods

ICE Agents Conduct Raids on NYC Chinatown Vendors Amid Counterfeit Goods Allegations, Sparking Protests

In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, a federal operation in…
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
US Marshal, illegal alien shot in Los Angeles immigration operation

US Marshal and Undocumented Immigrant Injured During Los Angeles Immigration Enforcement Operation

In Los Angeles on Tuesday, a U.S. Marshal and an undocumented immigrant…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…