UPDATE: In a heart-wrenching plea, Foulla Niotis, mother of 17-year-old Maria, is demanding that the alleged stalker who killed her daughter and her friend, Isabella Salas, be tried as an adult. This urgent call for justice comes after the tragic incident in Cranford, New Jersey, where both girls were run down by Vincent Battiloro, 17, while riding an e-bike.
The shocking incident, which occurred last month, has left the community reeling. Niotis claims her family had warned authorities about Battiloro’s stalking behavior for months, yet no action was taken. “Nobody said to me if there was anything I could do, restraining orders or anything against him,” she stated. “They just kept saying, ‘Oh, he’s a juvenile.'”
Police reports indicate that Battiloro drove a Jeep at over 70 miles per hour before striking the girls. Despite the severity of the charges, the case is currently being handled in the juvenile justice system, where public information is restricted. Niotis is calling for the charges to be transferred to adult court, stating, “I want justice for these two beautiful girls. My girls.”
The disturbing circumstances surrounding the case have prompted the Niotis family lawyer, Brent Bramnick, to voice concerns about the handling of stalking complaints. “We have a grieving family, a grieving mother, two innocent children lost,” he said. “This is the type of unimaginable circumstances that we all fear.”
In addition to the tragic loss, Niotis has faced threats since speaking out about the case, underscoring the intense emotions surrounding this horrific event. Community members are rallying around the family, with a petition on Change.org amassing nearly 7,000 signatures, urging New Jersey lawmakers to allow restraining orders against minors. The petition states, “No other brother, sister, parent, or friend should experience the profound loss our community has faced.”
Niotis emphasized her daughter’s compassionate nature, stating, “She was my sunshine. She would walk into the room, and she would light it up with her smile.” The emotional impact of this tragedy resonates deeply, as families in the area grapple with the loss of two young lives.
The Union County Prosecutor’s office is currently investigating the case but has refrained from issuing public statements. Niotis and her family are now calling on New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin to intervene. The community is left with unanswered questions and demands for accountability as they seek justice for Maria and Isabella.
As this story develops, it highlights urgent questions about the protections in place for victims of stalking and the accountability of juvenile offenders. The Niotis family, along with advocates in the community, are determined to push for changes that could prevent such tragedies in the future.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical case unfolds and the family continues to seek justice for their beloved daughters.
