A New Jersey teen, Vincent Battiloro, who is charged with the murder of two girls, appeared in court on Monday, seemingly emotionless as he faced the grieving mothers of the victims. They wore T-shirts featuring their daughters’ faces while looking at him intently.
Battiloro, who was also 17 when the incident occurred, is facing two counts of first-degree murder related to the deaths of 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both seniors at Cranford High School.
He was brought into a Union County courtroom in Elizabeth, marking his first court appearance since being charged as an adult.
On September 30, 2025, Niotis and Salas were riding e-bikes when they were struck by Battiloro’s Jeep, which prosecutors claim was traveling at 70 mph in a 25 mph zone.
Now 18, Battiloro was seen in a jail jumpsuit and looked indifferent as he was led into the courtroom with his hands cuffed. A row of supporters for the victims filled the audience, many wearing shirts that read “Justice for Bella and Maria.”
During the brief hearing, Battiloro’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and noted that they were contemplating an insanity defense.
After the hearing, Maria Salas, Isabella’s mother, spoke to reporters, her voice breaking. “We will fight like hell until they get the justice they deserve,” she said.
Foula Niotis, Maria’s mother, expressed the ongoing pain, stating, “It’s harder and harder every day. I just wish I could bring her back. But I know I can’t. So I have to get justice for her and Bella. It’s the only way, because I believe that’s where their souls will rest as well.”
