Anthony Yates
Authorities charged a 17-year-old with murder on Monday after he reportedly ran over two girls riding an E-Bike. Authorities have since revealed his identity and details about a livestream.
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What happened: The Cranford Police Department responded to reports of a motorist striking two juveniles on an E-Bike on September 29. Emergency services transported both victims to the hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
- CBS News named the victims as Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17 years old. Relatives and friends reportedly said one of the girls had a restraining order against the driver after he allegedly stalked her. A friend called the incident a “tragedy,” alleging that authorities did nothing despite her complaints.
- At the time, authorities did not reveal the suspect’s identity, but a report by My Central Jersey named him 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro. The outlet cites a speeding ticket by Cranford Police, stating that Battiloro was driving at 70 MPH when he hit the girls. The speed limit for the road is reportedly 25 MPH.
The Suspect Reportedly Started A Livestream After The Incident
“It’s a shame”: My Central Jersey also reveals details about a YouTube livestream, which has since been taken down. During the stream, Battiloro reportedly said, “I’m a nice kid. I’m 17 years old with a good family by my side, and these allegations have been ruining everything. It is a shame.”
- Battiloro allegedly said the girls were “lost in that tragic accident.” The day after the crash, he reportedly addressed the incident again, but did not say whether he knew them.
- His statements allegedly angered some commenters, who asked how he could stream video games after the tragedy. He reportedly responded that he does not need negativity in his streams.
- Per FOX 5, speculation grew online after the incident surrounding an unverified claim that the suspect was related to law enforcement. Police Chief Christopher Battiloro addressed the rumor directly in a press release. “While social media has made it known that the accused is related to me, he is not my son and not a member of my immediate family,” he said. ” I want to be clear, as loud and as firm as possible, that in NO WAY do my wife, children or I condone, defend, or excuse the actions that caused this terrible and tragic loss of life.”
My Central Jersey stresses that the Prosecutor’s Office did not release the suspect’s identity, owing to his age. However, traffic offenses committed by 17-year-olds are on public record. The suspect is due in court on October 29.
