‘Coward of a man’ accused of killing NJ teens in hit-and-run planned attack ‘for months,’ girls’ families say

The “coward of a man” 17-year-old driver accused of fatally striking two New Jersey teen girls on their e-bikes was planning the attack for months, the girls’ grieving families said Wednesday night.

The loved ones of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas insisted the deadly crash was far more depraved than a simple accident, and that the driver was targeting Maria specifically.

“It is now vital that the truth be shared: this was not an e-bike accident, and it was not a hit-and-run,” the families told Fox 5. “This was murder in the first degree.”

The driver, who has not been identified by Union County prosecutors because he is a minor, was slapped with two first-degree murder charges Wednesday.

He is related somehow to Christopher Battiloro, the police chief in the neighboring town of Westfield.

“A coward of a man who had been plotting this attack against Maria for months, carried out his horrific act, taking not only her life but also Isabella’s,” the families added.

“He is not insane, he is competent and meditated.”

A spokesperson for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday the criminal charges are currently a juvenile matter so information about the case is limited.

It’s unclear when he will appear in court but the spokesperson did confirm though he is currently in custody.