Police Chief Disavows Relative in Teen Girl Fatalities

The police chief of Westfield, New Jersey, denounced his distant relative after he was charged with the deaths of two teenage girls, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, in Cranford. The girls, both students at Cranford High School, were struck and killed by a black 2021 Jeep while riding an electric bike on Monday afternoon.

Chief Christopher Battiloro clarified that the accused is not part of his immediate family, despite social media claims. He stated, “He is not my son or a close family member,” emphasizing that neither he nor his family condones or supports the actions that led to the tragedy. Battiloro expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the girls, particularly noting his personal connection to Isabella Salas, whom he had watched grow up.

Authorities responded promptly to the scene of the crash, which resulted in both girls losing their lives at the hospital. The suspect, a 17-year-old boy, faced charges of double murder, though his name remains undisclosed due to his age.

Battiloro condemned the teenage suspect and urged justice, expressing full faith in the legal system to hold him accountable. He also revealed that the victim he knew, Salas, was a neighbor he had watched grow up. Friends indicated that the suspect was stalking one of the girls, who had previously obtained a restraining order against him. A neighbor reported that the teenager had been parked outside the girls’ home for three months prior to the incident, and no action had been taken.

Battiloro shared that his family felt the tragedy profoundly, describing their loss as a violation of their hometown’s sense of safety. Despite the grief, he reaffirmed his commitment to uphold integrity and support the community, emphasizing that together they will honor the lives of Maria and Isabella and move forward through this difficult time.