Teen Charged With Murder After Fatal Car Incident in New Jersey

UNION COUNTY, N.J. — A 17-year-old male has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two teenage girls who were struck by a car while riding an electronic bike on Monday.

Prosecutors allege that the unnamed suspect hit 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas with his vehicle and fled the scene. Both girls were pronounced dead shortly after being taken to a hospital.

Friends and family of the victims claim that both girls were familiar with the suspect. They also report that a restraining order was filed against him after he allegedly stalked one of the girls.

Authorities have not released the suspect’s name but confirmed that he is related to a member of law enforcement. Chief Battiloro made a public statement, clarifying that the accused is not his son or an immediate family member. He emphasized, “In NO WAY do my wife, children or I condone, defend, or excuse the actions that caused this terrible and tragic loss of life.”

The charges were announced by Union County authorities on Wednesday as the community mourns the loss of the two girls.