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
Animated GIF of the Obama Presidential Center construction next to a still photo of Barack Obama.

Chicagoans Unite: Battling Displacement and Rent Hikes Amid Obama Presidential Center Developments

In Chicago, tenants living in rent-controlled apartments near a new development honoring…
NYC pothole reports are shattering records – over 22K – with 2026 marking first triple-digit spike in calls

NYC Pothole Crisis: Record-Breaking 22K Reports in 2026 Signal Triple-Digit Surge!

New York City is experiencing a surge of pothole complaints this year,…
Mamdani's budget balancing gimmick could mean next year is even worse: NYC Comptroller Levine

NYC Comptroller Levine Warns: Mamdani’s Budget Tactics May Worsen Fiscal Challenges in 2024

Comptroller Mark Levine has expressed concern over Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to…
Obama slammed for praising late 'Russiagate' prober Robert Mueller's 'commitment to rule of law'

Obama Faces Criticism for Commending Robert Mueller’s Dedication to Justice

Former President Barack Obama recently ignited a flurry of reactions on social…
Travel nightmare deepens as Trump taps ICE — Newsom slams ‘lawless’ move

Travel Chaos Intensifies as Trump Enlists ICE; Newsom Criticizes ‘Lawless’ Decision

Flight disruptions hit California once again on Sunday as lengthy lines formed…
4 firefighters critially injured as Air Canada flight, firetruck collide at LaGuardia: reports

Critical Collision at LaGuardia: Air Canada Flight and Firetruck Crash Injures 4 Firefighters

On Sunday night, a dramatic incident unfolded at LaGuardia Airport when an…
Illegal migrant charged with murdering Loyola student Sheridan Gorman

Undocumented Immigrant Faces Charges in the Murder of Loyola Student Sheridan Gorman

A tragic incident unfolded in Chicago as a Venezuelan migrant, who entered…
Dad loses custody of autistic son after fighting sex change, gets support from Elon Musk

Father Loses Custody Battle Over Autistic Son’s Gender Transition, Gains Unexpected Support from Elon Musk

A heartbroken father in Iceland claims he lost his parental rights after…
Mary Fong Lau crash: Driver who killed family of 4 in West Portal crash sentenced to probation by San Francisco, CA judge

San Francisco Judge Grants Probation to Mary Fong Lau, Driver in Fatal West Portal Crash Killing Family of Four

In a tragic case that has weighed heavily on the Northern California…
Oklahoma couple allegedly used 14-year-old girl as surrogate for twins

Oklahoma Couple Under Investigation for Using Teen as Surrogate for Twins

An Oklahoma mother, along with her boyfriend, is accused of involving a…
Captain Kirk at 95: 'Never Waste a Good Cigar, and Never Act Your Age'

Captain Kirk Celebrates 95th Birthday: William Shatner Shares Ageless Wisdom and Love for Cigars

William Shatner, famously known for his portrayal of Captain James Tiberius Kirk,…
NY pol rips ‘clearly broken’ immigration system after Venezuelan migrant busted for killing local teen

New York Politician Criticizes ‘Ineffective’ Immigration System Following Arrest of Venezuelan Migrant in Teen’s Death

A New York state legislator criticized the U.S. immigration system as “clearly…