A Union County grand jury has indicted Vincent Battiloro, 18, on two first-degree murder counts in the deaths of two New Jersey teenagers. Investigators say Battiloro was driving as fast as 70 mph in a 25 mph residential zone when his vehicle struck the girls, who were riding an electric bicycle. An attorney for one family said dashcam footage could help prosecutors argue that the collision was deliberate rather than accidental. Battiloro has not been convicted, and his defense attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
| 1) | The indictment and the deaths |
|---|---|
| 2) | Why the dashcam footage matters |
| 3) | The crash, flight and initial investigation |
| 4) | Earlier allegations involving the suspect |
| 5) | The next legal steps |
The indictment and the deaths
Vincent Battiloro, of Garwood, was indicted on Wednesday by a Union County grand jury in connection with the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17. The two girls were best friends and were traveling together on an electric bicycle on Burnside Avenue in Cranford on Sept. 29, 2025, when they were allegedly struck from behind.
The charges allege intentional conduct and require prosecutors to prove the deaths were purposefully caused. The indictment followed an investigation into the crash and the circumstances surrounding the vehicle allegedly driven by Battiloro.
Why the dashcam footage matters
Brent Bramnick, an attorney representing the Niotis family, said footage from the 2021 Black Jeep Compass could be significant because it may show what happened immediately before the collision. According to the attorney, investigators believe the recording shows the vehicle turning around to follow the girls.
“The fact that this was evidently recorded as it’s happening” could help establish what the defendant was thinking and show “that it was not an accident,” Brent Bramnick said.
Bramnick said the prosecution would need to examine the recording and other evidence piece by piece to establish intent. He also said he believed the evidence reviewed so far supported the allegation that the deaths were intentional.
The crash, flight and initial investigation
Court records cited in the case say Battiloro was traveling at up to 70 mph in a residential area with a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Cranford police issued citations alleging speeding, reckless driving, improper passing and an unsafe lane change.
Authorities allege that after the crash, Battiloro abandoned the SUV and ran from the scene. Police also cited him for leaving an accident involving personal injury and failing to report it. Additional allegations included improper or unclear license plates, lack of registration and insurance documentation, and failure to provide proof of a driver’s license.
Police questioned Battiloro on Sept. 29, 2025, but released him to his father after he said someone had carjacked him at knifepoint. Investigators later reviewed the dashcam footage, and Battiloro was arrested in June and charged as an adult.
Earlier allegations involving the suspect
Foulla Niotis, Maria’s mother, said Battiloro had attended Lincoln School in Cranford with her daughter and had allegedly stalked Maria for months before the collision. She said she reported the conduct to police but was not told about possible protective measures such as a restraining order.
Bramnick also said Battiloro was accused of swatting the Niotis family home at least twice in September 2025. The allegations are part of the broader account presented by the family’s attorney and remain separate from the burden prosecutors face on the murder counts.
The day after the crash, Battiloro appeared in a gaming livestream on YouTube and complained about what he described as false allegations. The livestream and the earlier claims may be examined as part of the case, but their legal significance will be determined through court proceedings.
The next legal steps
Battiloro remains in custody after the defense agreed to detention without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of a later challenge to that status. His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
The defense attorney, Brian Biglin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The upcoming proceedings are expected to address the indictment and allow both sides to present their positions as the case advances. The prosecution will ultimately have to prove every element of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Battiloro faces two first-degree murder counts in the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas. |
| 2 | The girls were allegedly struck while riding an electric bicycle in Cranford. |
| 3 | A dashcam recording may be used to address the question of intent. |
| 4 | Authorities allege the vehicle was traveling at up to 70 mph in a 25 mph zone. |
| 5 | Battiloro’s arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 27 in Elizabeth. |
Summary
The case centers on whether the collision that killed two teenagers was an intentional act or a tragic crash caused by reckless driving. Prosecutors may rely on dashcam footage, the alleged speed and driving pattern, and other investigative evidence to establish intent. The case remains pending, and Battiloro is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Vincent Battiloro face?
He was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.
What role could the dashcam play?
An attorney for the Niotis family said the recording may show the vehicle turning around to follow the girls and could help prosecutors establish intent.
When is the arraignment?
The arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
Has Battiloro been convicted?
No. He has been indicted and remains in custody, but the charges must be proven in court.
