Cranford teens killed: Funerals set for 17-year-old best friends struck in hit-and-run in NJ
The funeral arrangements have been announced for two 17-year-old best friends struck and killed while riding e-bikes in Cranford this week.
A wake for Maria Niotis will be held Thursday night at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union. Her funeral will be held Friday morning at the church.
The wake for her best friend, Isabella Salas, will be held Saturday morning at the Dooley Funeral Home in Cranford. Her funeral will be held Monday morning at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.
All week long, hundreds of their friends, family, neighbors and even people who didn't know them have stopped by the growing memorial on Burnside Avenue to pay their respects.
It's the same spot where the girls were run down while riding an e-bike on Monday evening .
Both girls are remembered as loving and kind.
"These were the type of girls that befriended my daughter, she had her issues and stuff and they were always so kind, it's the kind of people you're talking about," a parent at the memorial said.
A 17-year-old suspect was charged with two counts of first-degree murder on Wednesday and taken into police custody.
He was escorted from his Garwood home by at least half a dozen officers.
The suspect is related to Westfield Police Department Chief Christopher Battiloro who lives in the same neighborhood as the teens are were killed.
Battiloro released a detailed statement on Wednesday, also on behalf of his family, that reads in part:
"I do unequivocally condemn the actions of the accused, and like you, I demand that he face the consequences of his alleged actions in a court of law. As a law-enforcement officer, I maintain full faith and confidence in our criminal justice system, and that it will ensure he is held fully accountable. I too pray for these families. I too demand full accountability and justice. My neighborhood feels violated and we are grieving. I am writing this to let you know that I stand with you, my Cranford, friends and neighbors, and that I grieve WITH you."
The Union County Prosecutor's Office has not released further details about the case.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
