Funeral Held for Teen Killed in Cranford E-Bike Hit-and-Run

Funeral Services and Tributes

• 🕊️ A funeral mass is scheduled for 17-year-old Maria Neotis at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union.
• 💔 Maria's mother shared her unfathomable grief, describing her daughter's passion for cosmetology and helping others see their inner beauty.
• 🕯️ Loved ones and strangers gathered at a memorial near the crash site to remember the two teens who had their lives cut short.
• 🗓️ A visitation for Maria's best friend, Isabella Sales, is scheduled for the following morning in Cranford.

Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident

• 💥 Maria Neotis and her best friend, Isabella Sales, were riding an e-bike on Burnside Avenue in Cranford when they were struck by a vehicle.
• 🚗 The driver, identified as 17-year-old Vincent Badaluro, allegedly fled the scene, abandoning the car with the e-bike lodged in the engine block.
• 🚨 Badaluro was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Suspect's Actions and Record

• 📈 Court records indicate Badaluro received at least 15 tickets related to the crash.
• 💨 He was reportedly traveling at 70 mph in a 25 mph zone at the time of the incident.
• 📱 A day after the crash, Badaluro posted a video claiming he was being bullied and ridiculed over past events.

Victim's Dreams and Family

• 💇‍♀️ Maria Neotis, originally from Greece, aspired to a career in cosmetology after high school.
• 💔 Her mother described an emptiness in their home and in her arms following the tragedy.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Maria is also survived by her twin brother, George.