New Jersey Hit-and-Run Claims Lives of Two Teens
Authorities in New Jersey have made public the audio from a 911 call regarding a tragic hit-and-run that resulted in the deaths of two teenage girls. This incident took place in Cranford on September 29, around 5:26 p.m., when Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis were struck by a 17-year-old riding an electric bicycle. It’s also noteworthy that two other 17-year-old girls were pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The suspect’s name isn’t being released as he hasn’t been charged as an adult yet.
As reported by local police, the alleged driver was operating a 2021 black Jeep Compass during the incident. He faces two counts of first-degree murder along with various traffic violations.
Fox News Digital obtained the 911 call audio through a public records request, revealing that the suspect was released to his father following the event. Records indicate that the father did contact the police after the incident.
Trauma from the Scene
One caller described the suspect’s SUV speeding down the road and hitting pedestrians, noting that one of the victims was unresponsive. Another caller remarked, saying, “No one was conscious. Everyone was stunned.” Others shared in the panic, urging responders to hurry, expressing that “there’s a girl on the road.”
Some witnesses reported that the SUV seemed to be speeding away from the scene, with one saying, “It was flying, it was black. That’s all I know.” Another noted distressingly, “The car looks like it’s going to catch fire.”
Lauren Farinas from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office explained that the suspect was taken in for questioning right after the hit-and-run but was released as the investigation continued. He was later arrested on October 1 and is now in custody.
A Mother’s Plea for Justice
Foura Niotis, Maria’s mother, expressed her frustration over the local authorities’ inaction. She believes the suspect had been planning the attack for a while and feels he thought he was above the law due to family ties in law enforcement.
Niotis has been vocal about her disappointment with how the police handled earlier reports of her daughter being stalked. “They should have done a lot. They did nothing. I want justice for Maria and Isabella. That’s what I want,” she stated.
