In a tragic incident that has shocked the community of Cranford, New Jersey, two teenage girls, Maria Neotus and Isabella Salas, both 17 years old, lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle while riding their ebikes home from a school event. The accident occurred on Tuesday evening around 5:30 PM on Burnside Avenue, a typical suburban street. The driver of the black Jeep Compass that hit the girls fled the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement.
What initially appeared to be a hit-and-run has since been described by family members and neighbors as a targeted attack. Reports suggest that the driver, a 17-year-old boy, had allegedly been stalking Neotus, a claim that has raised serious concerns among the victims’ families and the community. Neighbors have come forward, stating that Neotus had been the subject of harassment for months, prompting her family to reach out to law enforcement for help prior to the tragedy.
Maria’s uncle expressed his heartbreak on social media, describing the suspect as a “psychopath” who had been following his niece and harassing her regularly. He stated that the family had notified the police multiple times about the stalking, but felt their concerns were not taken seriously. Another post emphasized the urgency for law enforcement to act, highlighting the family’s belief that intervention could have prevented this horrific outcome.
As the investigation unfolds, it has been revealed that there may have been a prior relationship between Neotus and the suspect, potentially complicating the motives behind the stalking and subsequent incident. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the teenager is facing two counts of first-degree murder, although the suspect’s name has not yet been released to the public.
Police Chief Chris Bataloro of Westfield, who is reportedly related to the suspect, took to social media to clarify his family’s non-involvement in the case, stating, “I want to be clear that in no way do my wife, children, or I condone, defend, or excuse the actions that caused this terrible and tragic loss of life.” His statement reflects the community’s outrage and sorrow over the incident.
The emotional impact on the families of the victims has been profound. Isabella’s family shared a heartfelt photo just days prior to the tragedy, capturing a moment of youthful joy as she learned to drive. Maria, originally from Greece, had dreams of pursuing a career in cosmetology after graduating high school.
As the community mourns the loss of two vibrant young lives, a GoFundMe page has been established to support the families, raising over $130,000 in the wake of the tragedy. The case has sparked a broader conversation about awareness and prevention of stalking and domestic violence, especially among teenagers.
Legal experts have weighed in on the implications of the charges against the suspect, noting that the nature of the allegations may indicate premeditation. Investigators will likely explore various aspects of the case, including evidence from the accident scene, witness testimonies, and digital communications between the parties involved.
As the legal process develops, the community remains vigilant, hoping for justice for Maria and Isabella while grappling with the painful realities of youth violence and the complexities of teenage relationships. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing concerns surrounding stalking and harassment, particularly when young lives are at stake.
