The tragic case of two New Jersey teenagers, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, has taken a shocking turn. On September 29, 2025, Vincent Battiloro, then 18 years old, allegedly struck the two girls deliberately with his vehicle. Both victims, aged 17, were riding electric bikes in Cranford, New Jersey, when the incident took place. Authorities have moved to charge Battiloro as an adult with murder.

The Livestream Controversy

One day after the alleged crime, Battiloro appeared on a YouTube livestream. During the session, he seemed indifferent to the accusations. Making a stark statement, Battiloro openly invited more engagement on his platform.

“The more you guys engage in the chat, the more you give me engagement and I get paid for YouTube. Just letting you all know. That’s fine. That’s fine. Y’all are just giving me engagement, that’s fine,” he commented.

Despite addressing the criticisms, Battiloro expressed condolences to the victims’ families. However, he claimed there was more to the story that would be revealed later.

Details of the Incident

The chain of events began when Battiloro was reportedly seen driving a Jeep Compass. He allegedly followed the victims on their bikes after making a U-turn and striking them at high speed. After the incident, he abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.

Legal Proceedings

Battiloro’s identity initially remained concealed as he was a minor at the incident’s time. With the case’s transfer to adult court, he now faces two counts of first-degree murder. Brent Bramnick, representing Maria Niotis’ family, expressed gratitude for this decision.

“The decision to try the defendant as an adult is a welcomed sliver of justice. We are grateful to the Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts as well as the community at large for continuing to keep Maria and Isabella’s memories alive,” Bramnick stated.

Questions and Investigations

Bramnick also noted the family’s concern over previous incidents involving Battiloro. Allegedly, he engaged in swatting against the Niotis family earlier in the month. Bramnick highlighted the family’s unresolved questions about those incidents and the subsequent actions taken by authorities.

Bramnick emphasized the importance of uncovering the investigation’s details, underlining the family’s pursuit of answers through their private investigations.

This case, reflecting on the loss and legal pursuit, continues drawing significant public and media attention.