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
Watch: Democrat Senator Hilariously Own-Goals His Party With Criticism of DOJ Pipe Bomb Case Arrest

Watch: Democrat Senator’s Unintended Critique of DOJ Pipe Bomb Case Sparks Viral Stir

Over the years, politicians have certainly given us some memorable moments, but…
GameStop buys Pokemon card for $30k in its highest trade-in ever

GameStop Sets Record with $30k Pokémon Card Purchase, Marking Largest Trade-In Deal Yet

GameStop recently turned heads by humorously claiming that only “trolls” would argue…
Changing the narrative: Florida moms celebrate babies born with Down syndrome with Jack's Baskets

Florida Moms Redefine Joy: Celebrating Down Syndrome Births with Jack’s Baskets

Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to honoring the arrival of…
New Jersey elementary teacher charged with sexual assault of 9-year-old girl

Disturbing Allegations: New Jersey Teacher Faces Charges in 9-Year-Old’s Sexual Assault Case

A teacher from New Jersey has been taken into custody following accusations…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: No red carpet for terrorists

Fox News Launches ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: A Firm Stance Against Terrorism

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter is your source for stories highlighting the…
Anti-fentanyl mission: How Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago division combats deadly drugs from flooding streets

Inside the DEA’s Chicago Battle: Stopping Fentanyl’s Deadly Flow with Innovative Tactics

The drug landscape in Chicago is in a constant state of flux,…
Haitian gang leader learns sentence for orchestrating kidnapping of 16 American missionaries

Haitian Gang Leader Receives Sentence for Kidnapping of 16 American Missionaries

A Haitian gang leader, identified by federal prosecutors, received a life sentence…
Loyola New Orleans TPUSA chapter denied again after 'absolutely appalling' student government meeting: student

Loyola New Orleans TPUSA Chapter Faces Rejection Following Contentious Student Government Meeting

The student government at Loyola University has once again rejected the bid…
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2025

Experience the Magic: 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Unveiled

New York City is bustling with holiday cheer as the Rockefeller Center…
Investigators believe more victims exist after Palatka man arrested for child sexual assault

Authorities Suspect Additional Victims in Case of Palatka Man Accused of Child Sexual Assault

A 37-year-old man named Corzelle White has been taken into custody, accused…
Texas A&M student Brianna Aguilera had deleted suicide note on phone, police say

Texas A&M Student’s Deleted Suicide Note Uncovered in Ongoing Police Investigation

In a troubling turn of events, Texas authorities have officially determined that…
Far Rockaway man arrested for beating Queens homeowner during wild car meetup

Shocking Assault in Queens: Far Rockaway Man Arrested at Chaotic Car Meetup

Authorities have announced the arrest of a Far Rockaway resident involved in…