Garwood Teen Charged in Fatal Cranford Crash

Two 17-year-old girls riding e-bikes were struck by a black 2021 Jeep Compass on Burnside Avenue in Cranford around 5:30 p.m.; they were taken to hospitals and later died. A 17-year-old boy from Garwood was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder after fleeing the scene and being located a few blocks away. Prosecutors have not released a motive and investigators are still probing the circumstances. Neighbors and relatives told reporters the suspect had been stalking one of the girls and that a restraining order had been filed, allegations authorities have not verified. The community held vigils and set up memorials while a GoFundMe has raised more than $80,000; police asked residents to check surveillance and dashcam footage for the 2021 black Jeep Compass with tinted windows and urged anyone with information to contact the Union County Prosecutor’s Office (anonymous tips and rewards up to $10,000 are available).