The New Jersey teen who was killed by her alleged stalker in a sickening hit-and-run that also left her pal dead was remembered as a “wonderful young lady” as her distraught mother wept over her daughter’s casket Friday.
Maria Niotis, 17, was laid to rest as more than hundred inconsolable family and friends crammed into St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, many of whom were stunned high school classmates still coming to grips with the senseless loss.
“I know many of you knew Maria and now you cannot forget her face,” the priest told the teens during the solemn service.
“Many of you were in the same class, started together. It’s very unfortunate and frustrating situation that the family and the community is facing today.”
Maria’s remains were in a white casket draped with a Greek flag and a bouquet of red roses placed on top. When Maria’s mother reached the front of the church, she broke down in tears over her daughter’s casket.
Photos on display showed the young woman living life to the fullest, including going to church with her grandpa on Easter, posing affectionately with her parents and twin brother, and making silly faces with friends.
The girl and her best friend Isabella Salas were mercilessly killed when 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro allegedly rammed into their e-bike at 70 mph on a Cranford street Monday evening.
Family and friends have claimed Battiloro was stalking Maria for months, including creepily sitting in a car outside her house.
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