Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas of Cranford, New Jersey killed in hit and run by Garwood teen who had been stalking one of the teen girls for months

Cranford, N.J. — Two 17-year-old girls from Cranford High School were killed in what authorities describe as a targeted hit-and-run Monday evening, sparking outrage in the community and renewed questions over whether warnings about the suspect had been ignored.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were riding together on an e-bike around 5:30 p.m. on Burnside Avenue when a black 2021 Jeep with tinted windows struck them at high speed. Both girls were rushed to a nearby hospital but did not survive.

The quiet residential block, where the speed limit is 25 mph, is now the site of a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and balloons honoring the two teenagers.

Suspect Arrested, Faces Murder Charges

Later that evening, a 17-year-old boy from nearby Garwood was arrested after allegedly abandoning the Jeep close to the crash site and fleeing on foot. On Wednesday, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced he is facing two counts of first-degree murder. His identity has not been released because he is a juvenile.

Family members and neighbors say the suspect had been stalking one of the victims for months. A restraining order had reportedly been filed against him, but loved ones claim little was done to intervene.

Maria Niotis (pictured left side) and Isabella Salas of Cranford, New Jersey killed in hit and run by Garwood teen who had been stalking one of the teen girls for months

 

“She made complaints and nothing was done,” said family friend Tammy Carbajal in an interview with CBS 2. “It’s just a tragedy.”

A neighbor also told Fox 5 that the teen frequently parked outside the girl’s home in the months leading up to the fatal crash. “He was never stopped,” the neighbor said.

Authorities have not confirmed which of the two girls was the alleged target.

Allegations of Police Connection

Compounding community anger are unverified claims circulating among friends of the victims’ families that the suspect is related to a local police chief. Prosecutors have not addressed or confirmed the allegation.

“I just hope that this kid or whomever gets the maximum penalty,” one Cranford resident told CBS 2.

Remembering Maria and Isabella

Tributes have poured in for both victims. Relatives and friends described Maria Niotis as kind and full of life, while Isabella Salas was remembered as “a joy to have around.”

“She was an amazing singer,” said friend Leah Davitt.

A candlelight vigil honoring both girls is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday in Cranford.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe set up to support the families has raised more than $107,000 as of Wednesday evening, reflecting the depth of heartbreak across the community.