Man accused of killing two teens claimed he was carjacked — his own dashcam shows otherwise
Vincent Battiloro, an 18-year-old from New Jersey, has been charged as an adult for the alleged murder of two teenage girls, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. The incident occurred on September 29, 2025, in Cranford, New Jersey, where Battiloro is accused of intentionally running the girls down with his Jeep while they were riding an electric bike.
Initially, Battiloro told police that he had been carjacked by an unknown person wearing a red mask and armed with a knife on the same day of the incident. However, dashcam footage from his own vehicle contradicted his account. The footage showed Battiloro driving his Jeep to the area where the girls were hit, following them, and then striking them at a high rate of speed before fleeing the scene on foot.
The case has since been moved to adult court, and Battiloro now faces two counts of first-degree murder. Brent Bramnick, who is representing Niotis’ family, expressed gratitude that the case was transferred to adult court, calling it a “welcomed sliver of justice.” He also mentioned that the family is thankful to the Prosecutor’s Office and the community for keeping the memories of Maria and Isabella alive.
Prior to the incident, Battiloro allegedly targeted the Niotis family’s home in Cranford twice in September. This has raised questions about the police response and investigation into these incidents. Foulla Niotis, Maria’s mother, believes that the attack was premeditated and that Battiloro felt untouchable due to having relatives in law enforcement.
The case continues to unfold, with Battiloro’s attorney and father being contacted for comment. The community remains shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, and they seek justice for the two young girls who lost their lives in such a senseless act of violence.
