A New Jersey boy who allegedly killed two girls with his car last week reportedly harassed one of the girls online days before the deadly incident.
The New York Times revealed that a 17-year-old video game streamer, who has amassed tens of thousands of followers, allegedly sent pizzas to Maria Niotis, also 17, and her mother. This prank was supposedly executed online a week prior to an incident where the suspect ran over Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, as they were riding e-bikes in Cranford on September 29.
Authorities have stated that the suspect was speeding at 70 mph in a 25 mph zone when he struck the two girls and left the scene. Niotis’ family believes the suspect deliberately targeted her and meticulously planned the lethal assault for several months.
The suspect, a teenage boy, has been accused of stalking Niotis, who is reported to have secured a protective order against him. For three months, he allegedly stationed himself outside her home, but no arrest was made during that time.
A day following the tragic incident, the suspect purportedly used YouTube to say he was a victim of bullying. During the live broadcast, he spoke about the significant attention he was receiving from viewers who criticized him for the deaths of Salas and Niotis.
During the livestream, he reportedly said, “I’m a nice kid, I’m 17 years old with a supportive family, and these accusations causing havoc in my life are a disgrace.”
The teen was taken into custody two days after the fatal events involving Niotis and Salas. Although he is currently detained on charges of two counts of first-degree murder, he is not being prosecuted as an adult.
[Feature Photo: GoFundMe]
