Driver who ‘killed 17-year-old friends in hit-and-run’ was stalking one of the girls, neighbors say

‘Coward of a man’ accused of killing NJ teens in hit-and-run planned attack ‘for months,’ girls’ families say

The “coward of a man” 17-year-old driver accused of fatally striking two New Jersey teen girls on their e-bike was planning the attack for months, the girls’ grieving families said Wednesday night.

The loved ones of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas insisted the deadly crash was far more depraved than a simple accident, and that the driver was targeting Maria specifically.

Collage of Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis.

Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis were struck while riding an e-bike together around 5:30 p.m. September 30, 2025.

Two elderly women at a memorial of flowers, candles, and photographs in Cranford, NJ.

People bring flowers to the teens’ memorial.

Isabella Salas' father Edwin Salas (center) seen outside the family's Cranford home on Oct. 2, 2025.

Isabella Salas’ father Edwin Salas (center) seen outside the family’s Cranford home on Oct. 2, 2025.

Salas breaking down in tears on Thursday morning.

Salas breaking down in tears surrounded by relatives on Thursday morning.

“It is now vital that the truth be shared: This was not an e-bike accident, and it was not a hit-and-run,” the families told Fox 5. “This was murder in the first degree.”