Man charged with murder in New Jersey hit-and-run that resulted in the deaths of two teenage girls.
A 17-year-old has been charged with two counts of murder following a tragic incident in New Jersey that resulted in the deaths of two teenage girls, also aged 17. The incident occurred on Monday evening, September 30, 2025, when the victims, identified as Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were biking along Burnside Avenue in Cranford, approximately 20 miles southwest of Central Park. Prosecutors announced the charges on Wednesday, although the identity of the suspect has not been made public due to his age.
According to local reports, the teenage suspect had allegedly been stalking one of the victims for several months prior to the incident. Neighbors indicated that he had been observed parked outside the home of one of the girls, raising concerns among local residents. The two victims were students at Cranford High School and were in the process of enjoying a typical afternoon bike ride when they were struck by a black SUV just before 5:30 p.m.
After the collision, the driver of the SUV initially fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement shortly thereafter. A comprehensive investigation led to the filing of murder charges, as confirmed by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities had requested assistance from the public, offering a reward of ,000 for information that might lead to an arrest and indictment, specifically targeting residents near the crash site for any potential video evidence of a black Jeep Compass with tinted windows.
The tragedy has cast a pall over the community, prompting a vigil held in memory of Niotis and Salas, which was attended by grieving friends, family, and neighbors. An online fundraiser set up to support the families of the victims has garnered significant community support, raising nearly 0,000 within a short timeframe.
In the lead-up to the fatal incident, reports indicate that one of the victims had expressed concerns regarding the suspect’s behavior, having filed for a restraining order. However, it appears that her complaints did not result in any preventative action by authorities prior to the tragic events that unfolded this week. Local community members are now calling for more robust measures to address such troubling behavior and ensure the safety of their neighborhoods.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise from inaction in the face of distressing behaviors and the importance of community vigilance and support.
