NJ police chief Christopher Battiloro condemns relative accused of stalking, killing 2 teen girls in hit-and-run

A New Jersey police chief denounced his relative, accused of mowing down two teen girls – one of whom he was allegedly stalking – as the top cop mourned the death of his neighbor.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro distanced himself from his distant relative, who was charged with double murder in the killings of 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas in Cranford, NJ on Monday.

“While social media has made it known that the accused is related to me, he is not my son and not a member of my immediate family,” Battiloro wrote in a statement to Facebook on Wednesday.

“I want to be clear, as loud and as firm as possible, that in NO WAY do my wife, children or I condone, defend, or excuse the actions that caused this terrible and tragic loss of life.”

Niotis and Salas, both students at Cranford High School, were riding an e-bike together when a driver in a black 2021 Jeep rammed into them at around 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Both girls died at the hospital.

“Like many of you, I am shocked, stunned, and so overwhelmingly distressed beyond belief by the horrific loss of two young ladies,” Battiloro said

“As a result of this tragic incident, I lost a neighbor – a beautiful, charismatic young lady named Isabella Salas, who I have watched grow up since the day I moved to Cranford.”

The police chief said he and his officers responded to the scene of the crash that mortally wounded the two girls.

Battiloro had remained silent until investigators charged a 17-year-old boy with two counts of murder on Wednesday, calling for justice for the two teens. The suspect has been named publicly as he’s a minor.

“I do unequivocably 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,” Battiloro said.

“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.”

Loved ones told local TV outlets that the accused killer was stalking one of the girls, who filed a restraining order against the teen. It’s unclear which girl took out the restraining order.

“She made complaints and nothing was done,” friend Tammy Carbajal told CBS 2. “It’s just a tragedy. It’s just a tragedy.”

A neighbor told Fox 5 that the alleged killer parked outside the girl’s house for three months leading up to the tragedy.

“He was never stopped,” the neighbor said.

The grieving police chief says his family was left devastated by the tragedy that “violated” their hometown.

“My wife, my children and I are absolutely heartbroken over this senseless loss of life, but also of the lost feeling of safety and security in the neighborhood and community that you and I call home,” he said.

Battiloro made clear that his job is to remain a man of honor, integrity, and pride, a pledge he took when he was appointed chief in December 2018.

“I stand with you – my friends and neighbors – and that I grieve with you and I pray for you,” he said. “I am here for you. I offer you my most sincere, undying love, and any support or assistance that I or the Westfield Police Department can provide as we navigate this difficult time.

“We are stronger together. We will honor the lives and legacies of these two young ladies, Isabella and Maria Niotis, together. And we will survive this horrible tragedy together,” Battiloro concluded.