Alleged stalker detained then released after girls’ hit-and-run deaths, arrested days later: officials
Share this @internewscast.com

A 17-year-old, suspected in a hit-and-run murder, was briefly detained and questioned by police but was not arrested until later in the week, as stated by officials. This came after the fatalities of two teenage girls.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas tragically died on Monday when they were allegedly struck by a 17-year-old male while riding an electric bike. The incident occurred around 5:26 p.m., according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

The two girls, both 17, were pronounced dead after arriving at area hospitals.

The driver, a resident of Garwood, New Jersey, faces two first-degree murder charges. At the time of the incident, the suspect was reportedly driving a 2021 black Jeep Compass.

Police officers gather at the scene where two teens were killed.

Police officers gather at the scene where two teenagers were killed. (Fox 5)

“He’s been parked outside her house for three months now. He was never stopped,” a neighbor said, FOX 5 reported.

“She made complaints and nothing was done,” family friend Tammy Carbajal told CBS. “It’s just a tragedy. It’s just a tragedy.”

Though the suspect’s name has not been released, Police Chief Christopher Battiloro of Westfield, New Jersey, acknowledged in a detailed statement that he is related to the suspect accused of the crime.

“It’s widespread knowledge on social media that I am related to the accused, but I must clarify that he is neither my son nor part of my immediate family. Let me be clear, loudly and firmly, that my wife, children, and I do not in any way condone, defend, or excuse the actions leading to this devastating loss of life,” Battiloro expressed. “In this tragic event, I lost a neighbor – a wonderful, lively young girl named Isabella Salas, whom I’ve known since I moved to Cranford.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
DHS Secretary Noem 'blocked' from bathroom at Illinois government building, as Pritzker feud heats up

DHS Secretary Noem ‘barred’ from restroom in Illinois government office amid rising tension with Pritzker

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem stated Friday that she…
Japan poised for first female prime minister after ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi as new leader

Sanae Takaichi becomes leader of Japan’s ruling party, paving the way for her potential to be the first female prime minister

Japan is on track to get its first female prime minister after…
Hamas says it accepts some elements of Gaza peace plan; Trump orders Israel to stop bombing Gaza

Hamas Agrees to Parts of Gaza Peace Proposal; Trump Directs Israel to Halt Gaza Attacks

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump directed Israel to halt its bombing…
Supreme Court allows Trump admin to strip deportation protections from 300K Venezuelan migrants

Supreme Court Permits Trump Administration to Remove Deportation Protections for 300,000 Venezuelan Migrants

The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the Trump administration to remove temporary…
Texas megachurch founder to spend 6 months in jail for sexually abusing girl

Founder of a Texas Megachurch Receives 6-Month Jail Sentence for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

The founder of a Texas megachurch who previously resigned following allegations of…
New Mexico governor signs bills to counter federal cuts, support health care and food assistance

New Mexico Governor Approves Legislation to Offset Federal Reductions and Bolster Health and Nutrition Support

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico signed a series of bills…
Most Americans rate the U.S. economy poorly: Poll

Poll Reveals That Many Americans Hold a Negative View of the U.S. Economy

(The Hill) — Nearly three-quarters of Americans say economic conditions are poor…
Killer serving life escapes by mistake, tracked down in Georgia

Convicted Murderer Accidentally Released from Prison, Captured in Georgia

A Florida jail mistakenly released convicted murderer James Daniels. His days on…
Lawsuit seeks to stop Trump's $100,000 fee for H-1B visas

Legal Case Aims to Halt Trump’s $100,000 Charge for H-1B Visas

A coalition consisting of healthcare providers, religious organizations, university professors, and various…
US Treasury considers minting $1 coin with Trump's face on it for America 250

US Treasury Weighs Introducing a Trump-Faced $1 Coin for America’s 250th Birthday

The proposed coin design, featuring President Donald Trump’s face, is only in…
UK police accidentally shot victim while rushing to stop synagogue attacker

Police in the UK mistakenly shot someone while quickly responding to a synagogue attack.

One of the two victims who died in the terrorist attack on…
Video captures Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson during police manhunt in Utah

Footage shows Tyler Robinson, suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination case, during police search in Utah

PROVO, Utah — Recently released surveillance footage acquired by Fox News Digital…