Cranford Crash, Vineland Teen Stabbing Arrest

Two separate fatal incidents involving teenagers in New Jersey occurred this week. In Cranford on Sept. 29, best friends Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, were struck while riding an e‑bike by a black 2021 Jeep Compass and later died; 17‑year‑old Vincent P. Battiloro of Garwood has been charged with two counts of first‑degree murder after prosecutors say he deliberately hit them. Municipal court records link at least 15 traffic citations tied to the crash to Battiloro, friends and neighbors allege one victim had been stalked for months and sought a restraining order, Battiloro briefly livestreamed after the crash under the handle VinnieBat118, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Cranford police have asked the public for surveillance or dashcam footage; the case is proceeding in juvenile/family court unless prosecutors seek to try him as an adult. Separately in Vineland, 38‑year‑old Christina Asselta was found fatally stabbed and a 17‑year‑old was arrested at a Union Road home and charged with murder and weapons offenses; the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office is withholding further details while the investigation continues and authorities have asked the public for tips. Communities held vigils and funerals for the Cranford victims, and local officials, including Westfield’s police chief, publicly condemned the acts.