Mother of New Jersey teen murdered by suspected stalker receives death threat after criticizing police.

In a tragic incident that has attracted significant public attention, the mother of a teenage girl who was fatally struck by an alleged stalker in Cranford, New Jersey, claims to have received a death threat following her public criticism of law enforcement. Foulla Niotis, the mother of the deceased, Maria Niotis, reported the threat to her attorney, Brent Bramnick, indicating that it originated from a call made to her employer last week. This alleged intimidation came shortly after a heartfelt interview aired on Fox News, where Niotis asserted that the police had failed to take adequate measures to protect her daughter, stating that they “should have done a lot” more to intervene.

Maria Niotis, alongside her friend Isabella Sallas, was riding an electric bike in a residential neighborhood when they were struck by a vehicle just before 5:30 p.m. on September 29. The two 17-year-olds were subsequently airlifted to local hospitals but were pronounced dead shortly thereafter. In the days following the tragic event, a 17-year-old suspect, Vincent Battiloro, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, as well as being issued 15 traffic violations related to the incident.

Battiloro is accused of driving at an excessive speed—approximately 70 mph—on Burnside Avenue, where the posted speed limit is 25 mph. Friends and family members of Maria Niotis have alleged that Battiloro had been stalking her for months, parking outside her residence and making false reports to authorities in what is referred to as “swatting.” They argue that this behavior suggests a premeditated attack rather than a spontaneous act.

The victims’ families have voiced frustration over the apparent inaction by law enforcement despite their prior complaints about Battiloro’s conduct. According to Bramnick, legal representatives for the Niotis family, there is concern that Battiloro’s familial ties to law enforcement may have influenced the police response to the complaints against him. His father is a recently retired officer from the Chatham Police Department, and his uncle serves as the chief of police in Westfield.

Foulla Niotis, in various statements, has expressed her belief that the police share in the responsibility for her daughter’s death, particularly due to their lack of response to numerous complaints concerning Battiloro’s behavior. She contends that the suspect operated under the assumption that he could act with impunity, given his family’s connections.

Police Chief Battiloro has publicly acknowledged his relationship with the suspect, condemning his actions and insisting that justice must be served. As this case continues to unfold, it has raised serious questions about the adequacy of police response in situations involving reported harassment and the safeguards in place to protect vulnerable individuals from potential threats.

This incident has drawn renewed scrutiny on the tragic consequences of perceived negligence by law enforcement and the profound impact of stalking behavior. The community and Niotis’ family are demanding a full investigation into the events leading up to this heartbreaking loss, echoing a widespread demand for accountability and thorough investigation in the face of public safety concerns. Media News Source emphasizes the need for vigilance and compassion in protecting the lives of young individuals facing harassment or violence.