See more of our coverage in your search results.
The New Jersey teen accused of fatally mowing down two girls in a wealthy neighborhood last year appeared stone-faced in court Monday as the victims’ sobbing mothers stared him down in court while wearing T-shirts with their faces.
Vincent Battiloro was hauled into a Union County courtroom in Elizabeth, his first appearance since prosecutors charged him as an adult with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Cranford High School seniors Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17.
Battiloro was also 17 when he allegedly mowed down Niotis and Salas, who were riding e-bikes, on a quiet Cranford street in September 2025, according to prosecutors.
Battiloro’s Jeep was driving 70 mph in a 25 mph zone at the time, police said.
Battiloro, now 18, wearing an olive colored jail jumpsuit, a grey t-shirt underneath, and slippers, was emotionless as he was escorted into the courtroom handcuffed at the front of his body.
An entire row of the courtroom gallery was filled with family members and supporters for Niotis and Salas, wearing t-shirts that said “Justice for Bella and Maria.”
The girls’ mothers sobbed in court and started Battiloro down when he entered for the brief hearing where Battiloro’s lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf and said they were considering using the insanity defense.
After, Salas’ mom, Maria Salas spoke to the media through tears saying:, ”We will fight like hell until they get the justice they deserve.”
“It’s harder and harder every day,” Niotis’ mom, Foula Niotis said. “I just wish I could bring her back. But I know I can’t.
“So I have to get justice for her and Bella. It’s the only way, because I believe that’s where their souls will rest as well.”