Mother of Teen Killed in Cranford Hit-and-Run Speaks at Wake

A Family's Grief

• 💔 The mother of 17-year-old Maria Niotis, Foa Niotis, spoke for the first time about the unimaginable pain of losing her daughter.
• ✨ Maria is remembered as a twin, a dreamer, full of life, with a passion for beauty, music, makeup, hair, and fashion, and a desire to help others see their own beauty.

Tragic Accident Details

• ⚡ Maria and her 17-year-old best friend, Isabella Salis, were killed in a hit-and-run incident while riding an e-bike on Burnside Avenue in Cranford.
• 🚗 The driver fled the scene and abandoned the vehicle nearby, with the e-bike lodged in the engine block.

Suspect and Legal Proceedings

• 🚨 A 17-year-old suspect, identified as Vincent Baloro, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
• 📈 Court records indicate Baloro had received at least 15 tickets related to the crash, including for speeding; he was reportedly traveling at least 70 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Suspect's Online Presence

• 📹 A video streamed on Vincent Baloro's YouTube channel one day after the incident features a young man claiming he was bullied over false allegations and stating there is more to the story.

Community Mourning

• 🕯️ Neighbors have gathered at the accident site, where a memorial continues to grow for both Maria and Isabella.
• 🕊️ Services for Maria Niotis are scheduled at St. Demetro's Greek Orthodox Church in Union, with services for Isabella Salis planned for the weekend.