A New Jersey man accused of fatally striking two teenage girls appeared to dismiss criticism during a livestream the day after the deadly crash, telling viewers the comments were boosting his online “engagement.”
Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, were riding electric bikes in Cranford, New Jersey, on Sept. 29, 2025, when prosecutors say Vincent Battiloro, now 18, intentionally hit them with his vehicle. Battiloro was charged as an adult with murder on Friday, June 26.
The following day, according to the livestream, Battiloro appeared on YouTube while playing video games and spoke about the attention he was receiving from viewers commenting on the girls’ deaths.
Two teenagers were killed in a hit-and-run, and police allege that a 17-year-old boy is responsible. (Gofundme and FOX5)
“The more you guys engage in the chat, the more you give me engagement and I get paid for YouTube. Just letting you all know. That’s fine. That’s fine. Y’all are just giving me engagement, that’s fine,” he said. “I’m not doing s— until people stop messaging negativity.”
As viewers continued to bring up Niotis and Salas during the stream, Battiloro eventually paused to address the case directly.
“There has been a lot of misinformation going on over the internet. But I will say this. I wish my sincerest condolences to those two girls lost in that tragic accident. It is an absolute unfortunate situation. And there’s more to the story that you’re not getting,” Battiloro said. “But when the time comes. I will explain it in greater detail. I’m not authorized to talk about the whole thing.”
Investigators said Battiloro’s dash camera footage showed him entering a Jeep Compass on Sept. 29, 2025, and driving toward Burnside Avenue in Cranford, near the home of one of the victims. Police said that after he parked, the two girls were seen riding electric bikes in the opposite direction.
Vincent Battiloro, 18, was publicly identified after prosecutors announced he will be tried as an adult in connection with the deaths of two New Jersey teenagers. (VinnieBat118/YouTube)
The suspect then made a U-turn to follow the victims while he accelerated the Jeep, according to detectives, who said that the video shows both girls being struck at a high rate of speed before the vehicle ultimately stopped.
Battiloro then fled the scene by foot, officials said.
Battiloro’s identity was previously withheld because he was a minor when allegedly committing the crimes, but his case was transferred to adult court on Friday, June 26. He is now charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Brent Bramnick, who is representing Niotis’ family, told News Agency they are thankful the case was moved to adult court.
“The decision to try the defendant as an adult is a welcomed sliver of justice. We are grateful to the Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts as well as the community at large for continuing to keep Maria and Isabella’s memories alive,” Bramnick said.
A memorial was set up for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. (FOX 5)
Battiloro allegedly swatted the family’s home in Cranford twice in September 2025, according to Bramnick. He said both incidents took place between Sept. 1 and Sept. 15 in 2025.
Foulla Niotis speaks in an exclusive interview after her daughter Maria and friend Isabella Salas were allegedly killed by a stalker, as she urges prosecutors to try the teen suspect as an adult. (Fox News)
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.”
News Agency reached out to Battiloro’s attorney for comment.
