Families of slain Cranford teens break silence, say teen suspect is ‘not insane’

Families of slain Cranford teens break silence, say teen suspect is ‘not insane’

Maria Niotis (L), Isabella Salas. Candlelight vigil for the victims 9/30/25

🚨Two Cranford teens, best friends, were struck and killed while riding an e-bike

🚨 A 17-year-old Garwood boy is charged with two counts of first-degree murder

🚨 Families call him a “coward” and claim police ignored prior harassment

CRANFORD — The families of the two teens killed by a Jeep on Monday afternoon called the 17-year-old murder suspect a deranged "coward" who knew exactly what he was doing.

The juvenile from Garwood was charged Wednesday with two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors say he rammed his Jeep into an e-bike with the two best friends on Burnside Avenue in Cranford.

Loved ones have identified the victims as Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis

Neighbors told ABC 7 Eyewitness News that one of the girls had a restraining order against the driver after he harassed her at school and that he often sat in his vehicle outside her home. Maria Niotis' uncle was blunt about it on his Facebook page, stating that the driver followed her home from school every day. He said police did nothing about it despite being told many times.

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Claims of harassment, restraining order, and police inaction

Neighbors have told reporters that the suspect is connected to law enforcement in nearby towns. Westfield police Chief Christopher Battiloro acknowledged that he is related to the boy but is not his father, as some online posts had mistakenly claimed.

In a joint statement to Fox 5 New York, the families of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas said the 17-year-old suspect is "a coward of a man" who had been plotting an attack on Maria for months.

"He is not insane, he is competent and meditated," the family said in the statement."It is now vital that the truth be shared: this was not an e-bike accident, and it was not a hit-and-run. This was murder in the first degree," they said.

Both families will address reporters on Thursday night.

Services for Maria will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday with a Mass on 10 a.m. Friday, both at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union Townshop.

Services for Isabella will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Dooley Funeral Home in Cranford with burial at 11 a.m. Monday at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson

Significant or historical events in New Jersey for October (chronological order)

Here are some of the historical or significant events that happened in New Jersey during October. Is there an event missing? Let us know with an email to dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander

Filed Under: crime, Cranford
Categories: News, New Jersey News