Vincent Battiloro, Garwood teen who killed 2 Cranford, NJ girls in hit & run releases Livestream video saying he is the real victim [VIDEO]

A 17-year-old Garwood, New Jersey teen, Vincent P. Battiloro, has been accused of intentionally mowing down two Cranford High School students — Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas — in what families allege was a premeditated act of murder.

Fatal Crash in Cranford

The deadly incident unfolded Monday afternoon on Burnside Avenue in Cranford when Battiloro, behind the wheel of a black Jeep, allegedly ran over the two 17-year-old girls as they rode an e-bike. Both victims were rushed to hospital but died shortly after arrival.

Authorities say Battiloro fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle nearby, before being arrested Tuesday evening. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Wednesday that the teen has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, though they initially withheld his identity due to his age.

History of Obsession and Restraining Order

Family members of one of the girls said Battiloro had stalked their daughter for months following their breakup, with one restraining order filed against him prior to the attack. Friends also claimed the suspect was often seen “creeping” outside the girl’s house for extended periods in the same Jeep used in the crash.

“This was not an accident,” relatives told Fox 5. “This was murder in the first degree. He plotted this for months.”

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas of Cranford killed in hit and run by Garwood teen stalker.

Court records obtained by NJ.com revealed Battiloro had racked up more than a dozen driving infractions in recent months, including reckless driving, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and operating a vehicle without proper registration or insurance.

Livestream Defense: Claims of Bullying

Before his arrest, Battiloro posted a YouTube livestream where he attempted to cast himself as the “real victim.” In the video, he offered “condolences” to the families while denying responsibility.

“I’m a nice kid. I’m 17 years old with a good family by my side. These allegations ruining everything are a shame,” he said, claiming he had been bullied and harassed over “false allegations.”

He further insisted that “there’s more to the story” while framing the incident as part of a larger struggle with mental health and bullying.

Uncle, Police Chief, Condemns the Killings

The case has drawn added attention because Battiloro is the nephew of Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro, who lives on the same street where the girls were killed.

Chief Battiloro issued a statement condemning his nephew’s alleged actions and expressing grief over the death of one of his neighbors, Isabella Salas.

“As a law enforcement officer, I maintain full faith and confidence in our criminal justice system, and that it will ensure he is held fully accountable,” the chief said, adding that he too demands justice for the victims.

Community in Mourning

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both described as bright, kind, and full of life, have left their community reeling. Vigils, memorials, and fundraisers have been launched in their honor.

A GoFundMe campaign to support the families has already raised more than $142,000.

What Comes Next

Prosecutors confirmed Battiloro is being held in juvenile custody. It remains undecided whether he will be tried as an adult — a possibility given New Jersey law allows minors as young as 15 to face adult charges in homicide cases.

For now, the families of Maria and Isabella say their mission is clear: ensuring the tragedy is recognized not as a random crash, but as an act of premeditated violence.

Vincent Battiloro, the Cranford NJ suspect in the vicious and purposeful murder of his stalking victim and her best friend is free less than a day later and posting on YouTube and TikTok about the incident. pic.twitter.com/Ib6lQ7JMMA

— Paul Danner (@Paul_Danner_) October 1, 2025