Newly released court documents allege that dashcam footage contradicts the account given by a New Jersey teenager accused of intentionally striking and killing two 17-year-old girls riding an electric bicycle.

According to a criminal complaint, 18-year-old Vincent Battiloro initially told investigators that he had been carjacked earlier on Sept. 29, 2025, by an unknown individual wearing a red mask and carrying a knife.

However, prosecutors say video recovered from the dash camera inside his Jeep Compᴀss tells a different story.

Authorities allege the footage shows Battiloro getting into the vehicle and driving to Burnside Avenue in Cranford, near the home of one of the victims. Shortly after he parked, the two teenagers—Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17—were seen riding an electric bicycle in the opposite direction.

According to investigators, Battiloro then made a U-turn, followed the girls, accelerated, and struck them at a high speed. The complaint further alleges that he fled the scene on foot after the collision.

Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas both died as a result of the incident.

Battiloro was formally charged as an adult last week after a court approved transferring the case from juvenile jurisdiction. He now faces two counts of first-degree murder.

Brent Bramnick, an attorney representing Maria Niotis’ family, said the decision to prosecute Battiloro as an adult was an important step for the victims’ loved ones.

“The decision to try the defendant as an adult is a welcomed sliver of justice. We are grateful to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts, as well as the community at large for continuing to keep Maria and Isabella’s memories alive,” Bramnick said.
Because Battiloro was 17 at the time of the alleged offense, his idenтιтy had previously been withheld. It became public after the case was transferred to adult court.

Bramnick also said the Niotis family continues to seek answers about two reported swatting incidents involving their home earlier in September 2025.

According to the attorney, the incidents occurred between Sept. 1 and Sept. 15, weeks before the fatal crash. The family wants to better understand what investigative steps were taken after those reports were made.

“What investigation, if any, went on after all that the family reported and all the information that the police had in their possession? That’s the question,” Bramnick said. “We’re doing our own investigation to try to get to the bottom of those questions.”
Maria’s mother, Foulla Niotis, previously told Fox News that she believes the attack was planned and said her family remains focused on seeking justice for both girls.

The criminal case against Battiloro remains ongoing.

Source: New York Post