A New Jersey man accused of intentionally killing two teenage girls on an electric bike allegedly told police he was carjacked, but his own dashcam footage disputes his claim, according to a criminal complaint.
Vincent Battiloro, 18, faces two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17. Prosecutors announced he would be tried as an adult on Friday.
The incident occurred on September 29, 2025, in Cranford, New Jersey. When questioned by detectives, Battiloro claimed an unknown individual wearing a red mask and armed with a knife had carjacked him earlier that day, the complaint states.
However, dash camera footage obtained from Battiloro's Jeep Compass allegedly shows him driving the vehicle to the area of Burnside Avenue, near the home of one of the victims. Shortly after parking, the video reportedly shows the two girls on an electric bike heading in the opposite direction.
According to the complaint, Battiloro then made a U-turn and accelerated toward the victims. The dashcam video allegedly captures the moment the girls were struck at a high rate of speed before the vehicle stopped. Battiloro then reportedly fled the area on foot.
Battiloro's identity was initially withheld as he was a minor at the time of the alleged crimes, but his case has since been transferred to adult court.
Brent Bramnick, an attorney representing the Niotis family, expressed gratitude that the case is proceeding in adult court. "The decision to try the defendant as an adult is a welcomed sliver of justice," Bramnick said, adding that the family is thankful for the Prosecutor's Office's efforts and the community's support in keeping Maria and Isabella's memories alive.
Bramnick also previously stated that the suspect allegedly made false reports, known as swatting, to the Niotis family's home twice in September 2025. The family has sought answers regarding any investigation into those incidents.
Maria Niotis's mother, Foulla Niotis, has stated that she believes the suspect planned the attack and felt untouchable due to having relatives in law enforcement. She expressed a strong desire for justice for her daughter and Isabella Salas.