New Jersey – A tragic hit-and-run incident in New Jersey has resulted in the deaths of two teenage girls, with a 17-year-old boy now facing first-degree murder charges. The event has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about law enforcement responses to prior stalking allegations.
The Fatal Incident and Charges
According to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident occurred on a Monday around 5:26 p.m. when two teenage girls, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were hit while riding an electric bike. The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Garwood, New Jersey, was driving a 2021 black Jeep Compass at the time.
Both girls were rushed to local hospitals but were pronounced dead upon arrival. The suspect has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Community Concerns and Allegations of Stalking
Neighbors revealed troubling details about the suspect’s behavior leading up to the deadly crash. One neighbor told FOX 5 that the 17-year-old had been parked outside one of the victim’s homes for months and was never stopped by school officials or police despite reports.
“He’s been parked outside her house for three months now. He was never stopped,” a neighbor shared.
Family friend Tammy Carbajal highlighted the ongoing struggle victims faced before the tragedy:
“She made complaints and nothing was done. It’s just a tragedy. It’s just a tragedy.”
Community Reaction and Memorial
The deaths have left a deep emotional impact on the local community. One neighbor described the horror of witnessing the aftermath, emphasizing how no family should endure such pain.
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“I had only seen one girl. And then I walked down the street a little bit and I saw the other girl. Just horrible. Nothing in the world is more horrible than what I saw yesterday. I have kids, you know, and so no family should have to go through this,” a neighbor said.
In response, a memorial has been set up for Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, as the community seeks ways to honor their memory.
Looking Forward: Calls for Action and Justice
This tragic incident has sparked conversations about the adequacy of protections against stalking and the responsiveness of authorities in preventing such devastating outcomes.
- The suspect faces two counts of first-degree murder.
- The case raises questions about law enforcement response to stalking reports.
- Community members seek stronger protections for vulnerable individuals.
For more detailed coverage, visit Fox News.
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on the handling of stalking complaints and the prevention of such tragic incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!