Man Accused of Killing Two Teens Claims Carjacking

A man from New Jersey has been charged in the deaths of two teenage girls, but his account to the police seems to contradict the evidence. According to a criminal complaint, 18-year-old Vincent Battilolo told authorities that he was carjacked earlier the same day the girls were killed, yet dashcam footage shows him driving to the scene.

On September 29, 2025, two 17-year-olds, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were riding electric bikes in Cranford when Battilolo allegedly struck them intentionally. He faced charges as an adult on Friday, following the tragedy.

Initially, Battilolo narrated to detectives that his Jeep Compass was hijacked by a masked individual wielding a knife. However, the dashcam footage obtained by police appears to contradict this claim.

According to the complaint, “The defendant stated that he was carjacked that afternoon while driving his Jeep Compass by an unknown person wearing a red mask and armed with a knife.” A search warrant later executed on the vehicle revealed footage of him getting into the Jeep and driving to Burnside Avenue, where the girls were later seen.

After parking, Battilolo reportedly made a U-turn and accelerated toward the girls, striking them at high speed before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Brent Bramnick, a representative for the Niotis family, expressed gratitude that the case would now proceed in adult court. He commented, “The decision to try the defendants as adults is welcomed as a measure of justice.” The community’s support for Maria and Isabella’s memory is appreciated.

Battilolo was transferred to adult court on Friday and now faces two counts of first-degree murder. There are concerns, however, that he might have previously harassed the Niotis family, as Bramnick mentioned two incidents where the suspect allegedly knocked on their home in early September.

Maria’s mother has voiced her suspicions, suggesting the suspect had premeditated the attack and felt emboldened by familial connections in law enforcement. “I want justice for Maria and Isabella. That’s what I want,” she stated poignantly.

Overall, the community is left searching for answers, hoping to uncover the full truth behind these tragic events.