CRANFORD, N.J. — A grieving community is demanding answers after two Cranford High School students, 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were struck and killed while riding e-bikes Monday evening in what neighbors allege may not have been an accident.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the fatal crash occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Burnside Avenue. Both girls were airlifted to nearby hospitals but later died from their injuries. The driver of the black Jeep involved in the crash was located and taken into custody that night by Cranford and Garwood police, though officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity or confirmed whether charges have been filed.
While investigators are treating the case as a hit-and-run, neighbors say one of the victims had previously expressed fear of being stalked by the driver. “She made complaints and nothing was done,” family friend Tammy Carbajal told CBS-2, describing the tragedy as preventable. Another resident told Fox 5 that both police and school officials had been alerted “for like three months now” about the man allegedly parking outside the victim’s home.
The allegations have fueled frustration within the community, with some neighbors insisting the tragedy might have been avoided. “He’s been parked outside her house for three months now,” one resident told reporters. “He was never stopped.” Authorities have not confirmed whether the stalking claims are being investigated in connection with the crash.
On Tuesday night, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil along Burnside Avenue, where classmates, teachers, and residents shared memories of the two teenagers. Both Niotis and Salas were remembered as bright, kind, and full of potential, leaving classmates devastated by the sudden loss. “They were just coming home from a school event,” one neighbor told WABC-7. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Union County officials are urging anyone with information, including witnesses or surveillance footage of the Jeep before or after the collision, to come forward. Tips may be submitted anonymously at www.uctip.org
or by calling 908-654-TIPS (8477). Authorities noted that tips leading to an arrest and indictment could qualify for a reward of up to $10,000. As the investigation continues, Cranford mourns the loss of two young lives taken far too soon.