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
Homeowner arrested after armed clash with teen prankster: report

Homeowner Arrested Following Armed Confrontation with Teen Prankster: Legal Implications and Community Impact

A Florida man’s reaction to a neighborhood prank took a serious turn,…
Ted Cruz Calls $3 Billion US Aid to Israel a “Bargain”

Ted Cruz Labels $3 Billion US Aid to Israel as a “Bargain” Investment: A Strategic Perspective

At the recent Christians United for Israel Summit, Sen. Ted Cruz doubled…
Manhattan, IL news: Vigil held after 2 junior high students die within days, including boy on bicycle killed in semi-trailer crash

Community Gathers in Manhattan, IL to Honor Junior High Students After Tragic Losses, Including Fatal Bicycle-Semi Trailer Incident

MANHATTAN, Ill. — A close-knit community in the southwest suburbs is grappling…
States worry about how to fill the gap in food aid ahead of a federal benefits halt

States Brace for Food Aid Crisis as Federal Benefits Set to Expire: Exploring Solutions to Bridge the Hunger Gap

Officials from Louisiana, Vermont, and Virginia have committed to ensuring that food…
Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues unveiled at the Alabama Capitol

Statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller Unveiled at Alabama State Capitol

In a momentous event on Friday, the Alabama Capitol grounds witnessed the…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's empire, BTK's family fallout, Bryan Kohberger's money woes

Unraveling Secrets: Alex Murdaugh’s Empire Crumbles, BTK Family Faces Fallout, and Bryan Kohberger’s Financial Struggles

‘HE KNEW HOW TO SWIM:’ The mystery surrounding a tragic death in…
Trump Team Eviscerates Schumer After He Tries to Deceive American People About Ballroom

Trump’s Team Criticizes Schumer’s Alleged Misrepresentation of Ballroom Details to the Public

How disconnected have the Democrats become? They’re prioritizing the protection of undocumented…
Families outraged after high school student in violent sex assault cases avoids prison as youthful offender

Community Outrage Erupts: High School Student Escapes Prison Despite Violent Assault Charges

The community of Payne County, Oklahoma, is in an uproar as parents…
Security at California Coast Guard base opens fire on U-Haul truck posing 'direct threat'

California Coast Guard Base Incident: Security Neutralizes ‘Direct Threat’ from U-Haul Truck

On Thursday night, shots were fired at a Coast Guard facility in…
Suspect pleads not guilty to charge in hit-and-run death of 13-year-old Genesis Webber

Suspect Denies Charges in Tragic Hit-and-Run Death of 13-Year-Old Genesis Webber: Latest Court Developments

Andre Myers, 54, has entered a not guilty plea following his arrest…
Sonya Massey death: Jury shown autopsy photos as testimony continues in murder trial of former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson

Shocking Courtroom Revelations: Autopsy Photos Unveiled in Gruesome Murder Trial of Ex-Illinois Deputy

PEORIA, Ill. — On Thursday, the murder trial of former Sangamon County…
ABC7 Sports Overtime: Dionne talks Chicago Bears win streak, Blackhawks point streak, Fire in playoffs

ABC7 Sports Overtime: Dionne Discusses Chicago Bears’ Winning Streak, Blackhawks’ Continued Success, and Fire’s Playoff Journey

Chicago sports enthusiasts have plenty to cheer about these days, especially with…