Mothers Confront Teen Accused in Daughters' Deaths
A New Jersey teen, facing murder charges in the deaths of two 17-year-old girls, appeared emotionless in court as the victims' mothers wore T-shirts bearing their daughters' faces.
In a somber Union County courtroom, Vincent Battiloro, 18, stood impassively as the mothers of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, watched him. Battiloro has been charged as an adult with two counts of first-degree murder in the September 2025 deaths of the Cranford High School seniors. The victims' families wore shirts that read "Justice for Bella and Maria."
Battiloro, who was also 17 at the time of the incident, allegedly struck Niotis and Salas while they were riding e-bikes. Prosecutors stated that Battiloro’s Jeep was traveling 70 mph in a 25 mph zone when the collision occurred. He appeared in court wearing a jail jumpsuit and slippers, his demeanor described as emotionless.
Battiloro's attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, indicating that a defense based on insanity is being considered. Following the hearing, Mary Salas, Isabella's mother, addressed reporters, vowing to "fight like hell" for justice. Maria Niotis' mother, Foula Niotis, expressed the ongoing pain of her loss and her determination to secure justice for her daughter and Bella.
The New York Post featured the case on its front page with the headline "STALKED," referring to earlier reports of Battiloro's alleged obsession with one of the victims.