In a tragic incident in Cranford, New Jersey, two 17-year-old girls, Maria Neotus and Isabella Salas, lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle while riding their ebikes home from a school event. The driver, who fled the scene, has since been taken into custody, with authorities indicating that this case may involve more than just a hit-and-run. Family members and neighbors allege that the girls were specifically targeted by a boy who had been stalking Maria for months.
The incident occurred on a typical suburban street as the girls rode home around 5:30 PM on a Tuesday evening. Witnesses reported seeing a black Jeep Compass strike the girls before the driver sped away. Local law enforcement quickly mobilized to search for the vehicle, which was identified through images released by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
The aftermath of the crash has sparked outrage within the community, especially as details emerged about the alleged stalker. Maria’s uncle took to social media to share his grief, describing the suspect as a “psychopath” and revealing that Maria had endured months of harassment before her tragic death. He expressed frustration over the lack of police intervention, stating that the family had reached out for help multiple times.
According to reports, the alleged stalker followed Maria to her home and was known to watch her from a nearby park. Some sources suggest that there may have been a prior relationship between the suspect and Maria, possibly leading to a violent confrontation. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the suspect, also 17 years old, faces two counts of first-degree murder, although his identity has not yet been disclosed.
The local police chief, Chris Bataloro, publicly addressed the situation on social media, clarifying that the suspect is not a member of his family and expressing his condemnation of the actions that led to this tragedy. His unusual public statement reflects the deep concern and anger within the community regarding the circumstances surrounding the girls’ deaths.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials will examine various aspects of the case, including the vehicle involved, potential eyewitness accounts, and any available surveillance footage. Retired NYPD detective Tom Smith noted the importance of gathering evidence from the accident scene, emphasizing the need for thorough interviews with friends and family to understand the dynamics of the relationship between the suspect and the victims.
The community has rallied in support of the families of Maria and Isabella, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $130,000 to assist with funeral expenses. The tragic loss of these two young lives has sent shockwaves throughout Cranford, leaving many to reflect on the broader issues of stalking and the potential warning signs that were overlooked.
As the legal process continues, many are left grappling with the senseless nature of this crime and the urgent need for awareness around issues of harassment and stalking among teenagers. The emotional toll on the families involved is unimaginable, and they are now faced with the challenging road ahead as they seek justice for their daughters. The community remains vigilant, hoping that this tragedy will spark necessary conversations about safety and intervention in similar situations.
