Maria Niotis, 1 of 2 teen girls killed in Cranford, N.J. hit-and-run, laid to rest at funeral
Maria Niotis, one of two teenage girls killed in a hit-and-run in New Jersey Monday, was laid to rest Friday morning.
The service took place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union.
Family and friends came together in the wake of tragedy to remember a young life taken far too soon.
Niotis and her best friend Isabella Salas were riding an e-bike on Burnside Avenue in Cranford on Monday evening when they were struck by a vehicle and killed. The driver fled the scene and ditched the SUV.
Wednesday, police said that driver, identified as 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Court records indicate Battiloro was issued at least 15 tickets related to the crash including for speeding and that he was going at least 70 miles per hours in a 25 mile per hour zone.
Relatives and family friends of the victims say the suspect had been stalking Niotis in the weeks leading up to the hit and run. Investigators have not released a potential motive.
In a video streamed on Battiloro's YouTube channel one day after the incident, a young man claimed he was bullied as he talks about the case.
Hundreds gathered Friday to say goodbye, and to celebrate Niotis' life.
She was born in Greece, but was a lifelong resident of Cranford.
"She was a wonderful human being. Lovely person. No hatred, nothing. It's a shame she's gone," mourner Joe Cepeda said.
The message at her celebration of life was one of love, faith and family.
"You've got to stick with family and religion at this point, you know? That's it," family friend Nick Barber said.
Two families were shattered, but the community has come together, leaving flowers at the scene, sharing pictures, memories and tears.
A visitation for Salas is set for Saturday in Cranford.