A New Jersey man is facing serious charges after allegedly killing two teenage girls. Vincent Battiloro, then 18, is accused of deliberately hitting Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, with his vehicle while they were riding electric bikes on September 29, 2025, in Cranford, New Jersey. Battiloro has been charged with murder as an adult.
Just one day after the incident, Battiloro appeared on a YouTube video game livestream. He acknowledged the widespread attention from viewers, remarking that their engagement benefited him financially on the platform. Despite the gravity of the situation, he mentioned the ‘engagement’ multiple times, indicating a lack of remorse. As commenters continued to highlight the tragic deaths, Battiloro addressed them by offering condolences but suggested misinformation surrounded the incident. He promised to provide further details when authorized.
The police allege that Battiloro’s dash cam captured him entering a Jeep Compass and driving towards the area where Niotis and Salas lived. Detectives reported that video evidence shows him making a U-turn to follow the girls and accelerating before striking them at high speed. Battiloro then allegedly left the scene on foot.
Initially, Battiloro’s identity was protected because he was a minor at the time of the alleged crime. However, his case has been moved to adult court, and he now faces two counts of first-degree murder. Brent Bramnick, representing the Niotis family, expressed gratitude for this decision, viewing it as a step towards justice.
In addition to the hit-and-run incident, Battiloro allegedly harassed the Niotis family by swatting their home twice in September 2025. This behavior raises questions from the family, who are keen to understand the police’s investigative steps following these incidents. Bramnick stressed the importance of obtaining clear answers.
Efforts to contact Battiloro’s attorney for comments were made. The broader community continues to support the families of the victims and seeks to honor the memories of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.