A deadly hit-and-run incident has shocked a quiet New Jersey community after two high school students were deliberately struck and killed.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17-year-old Cranford High School students, were riding an e-bike together when a black 2021 Jeep with tinted windows rammed into them Monday around 5:30 p.m. The New York Post reported that authorities arrested a 17-year-old boy from neighboring Garwood in connection with the fatal attack.

Both victims later died at the hospital from injuries sustained in the collision. Police charged the suspect with two counts of first-degree murder on Wednesday, though the Union County Prosecutor's Office has not released his name.

Stalking Allegations And Warning Signs

Loved ones told local television outlets that the accused killer had been stalking one of the victims prior to the attack. The targeted girl had reportedly taken out a restraining order against the suspect due to his persistent harassment.

Friend Tammy Carbajal expressed frustration about the lack of action taken despite complaints being filed about the stalking behavior. She described the situation as a tragedy that could have been prevented with proper intervention.

It remains unclear which of the two girls was specifically targeted by the alleged stalker. The second victim appears to have been killed simply because she was riding with her friend at the time of the attack.

Pattern Of Harassment Behavior

A neighbor revealed that the suspect had been parking outside one of the victim's homes for three months leading up to the alleged murders. This extended period of surveillance behavior demonstrated the persistent nature of the stalking campaign.

The neighbor expressed frustration that the suspect's suspicious activities were never interrupted by authorities despite the obvious concerning pattern. The lack of intervention allowed the harassment to escalate to deadly violence.

The prolonged stalking behavior suggests premeditation in the attack that ultimately claimed both teenagers' lives. The suspect's familiarity with the victim's routine likely enabled him to locate and target her on Monday evening.

Community Impact And Witness Accounts

A witness who discovered the aftermath of the hit-and-run described being sickened by the destruction on the peaceful residential street. The speed limit in the area is 25 mph, emphasizing the quiet, family-friendly nature of the neighborhood.

The witness initially saw one victim before walking further down the street and discovering the second girl. The traumatic scene left a lasting impact on the community member who has children of their own.

The resident emphasized that no family should have to endure such a horrific tragedy in their quiet suburban community. The violent nature of the crime has shattered the sense of safety typically associated with Cranford's leafy residential streets.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

Stories like this illuminate not only the emotional pain of losing young lives to violence, but also the important steps that can be taken to help others stay safe or seek help when warning signs appear:

1. Take all stalking behaviors seriously. Any repeated, unwanted attention—whether in person or online—should be documented and reported. If such behavior persists, victims and their families must feel empowered to seek restraining orders and demand enforcement.

2. Teach teens to speak up. Young people often downplay concerning behavior out of fear or embarrassment. Education about recognizing grooming, obsessive actions, and boundary violations can give them the tools to seek help early.

3. Support doesn’t stop with a restraining order. Even when legal steps are taken, continued monitoring and open communication between families, schools, and law enforcement are crucial to ensuring safety. Still, it must be emphasized that no matter how cautiously someone behaves, crime can happen to anyone, and we should never place blame on the victim.

Why This Story Matters

This heartbreaking event raises critical questions for the communities of Cranford and Garwood—and beyond—about how protective measures work, particularly when youth are involved. It underscores the need for schools, families, and authorities to better coordinate when vulnerable teenagers are at risk. Moreover, it reinforces the importance of listening to and acting on complaints, particularly those that allege stalking or intimidation. Prevention starts with believing victims and prioritizing action before tragedy strikes.

Conclusion

This week, Cranford, New Jersey, was rocked by the loss of two beloved high school students—Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas—after they were fatally struck while riding an e-bike. Arrested at the scene, a 17-year-old boy from nearby Garwood now faces two counts of first-degree murder. Loved ones allege he had stalked one of the girls for months, and court documents reveal a restraining order had been filed against him before the incident.