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.
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.
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 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.
