Two families in Cranford, New Jersey are grieving the sudden and violent deaths of their daughters after what authorities first described as a hit-and-run crash is now being prosecuted as a double murder. On Monday evening, Sept. 29, 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were riding an e-bike along Burnside Avenue when they were struck by an SUV. Both girls were taken to nearby hospitals but did not survive.

Both Families Believe This Was Premeditated

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced that a 17-year-old boy from neighboring Garwood has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Because of state juvenile laws, officials have not released his name. Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Cranford Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro confirmed the charges in a joint statement, but stopped short of addressing a wave of allegations from neighbors and family members that the crash was premeditated.

Maria Was Being Stalked For Months

Relatives and friends have told local outlets that the driver was stalking Maria for months. “She made complaints and nothing was done,” said Tammy Carbajal, a family friend, in an interview with Fox 5. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has not commented about whether stalking played a role in the investigation. In a joint statement to Fox 5, they called the suspect “a coward of a man, who had been plotting this attack against Maria for months.” They added: “This was not an e-bike accident, and it was not a hit-and-run. This was murder in the first degree.”

Union County Is In Shambles

The deaths have shaken Cranford, a small community where residents describe both teens as beloved daughters, sisters, and friends. Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil Tuesday evening. Maria, who had a twin brother, was remembered as fun, kind, and quick to laugh. Friends of Isabella spoke of her talent as a singer and her ability to light up a room. In a letter to the school community, Superintendent Scott Rubin acknowledged the impact of the tragedy. “While we respect the privacy of the families involved, we understand that this news will no doubt impact our school community. Please know that we are here to offer and provide comfort and support during this very difficult time,” he wrote.

The Families of the Victims Are Still Waiting on Answers

The crash has also sparked questions about how complaints of stalking are handled by schools and law enforcement, especially when both the alleged victim and the accused are underage. With an active investigation still unfolding, many of those questions remain unanswered. Meanwhile, the community has rallied around the families. A GoFundMe campaign set up to help with funeral expenses and provide support has already raised more than $70,000.