Neighbors identified the victims as Maria and Isabela, both 17, per local news stations

A quiet suburban street in Cranford, New Jersey, erupted in tragedy on Monday evening when two 17-year-old girls were fatally struck by a teen driver in what neighbors described as a horrifying and senseless attack.

Maria Niotis and Isabela, both students at Cranford High School and close friends, were riding electric bikes along Burnside Avenue around 5:26 p.m. when a 17-year-old male driver allegedly ran them over with enough force to kill them instantly.

Witnesses recounted a terrifying scene in which the suspect continued driving, dragging one of the bikes behind his vehicle until it disabled his car, finally bringing the nightmare to a halt.

Neighbors say the tragedy may have been preceded by months of stalking. One resident, her voice trembling, told reporters, “He’s been parked outside of her house, following her online, even at school.

Everyone knew something was off.” Another added, “The school and police were notified for three months… and nothing happened.

How could this happen?” The chilling allegations suggest the girls were tragically caught in a pattern of harassment that may have been preventable, leaving the community grappling with grief and anger.

Police swiftly responded to the incident and took the teenage driver into custody.

While no charges have been formally filed, investigators have appealed to residents for help, requesting surveillance footage or dashcam recordings of a black 2021 Jeep Compass Utility 4D Altitude 4WD with tinted windows.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active, urging the public to provide any relevant information that could clarify the events leading up to the deadly collision.

The scene on Burnside Avenue was described as chaotic and heartbreaking. First responders and neighbors were on hand immediately after the crash, attempting to assist the victims, but both Maria and Isabela were pronounced dead at the scene.

The community has since mobilized to support the families, with a GoFundMe campaign established to raise funds for funeral expenses and to honor the memory of the two young women.

“Our hearts are broken with this sudden and senseless loss of two beautiful young lives,” the campaign organizer wrote, capturing the sense of collective grief that has rippled through Cranford.

Cranford Township officials released a statement expressing sorrow over the tragedy. “The Township of Cranford is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two young women in last night’s heartbreaking incident,” the statement read.

Mayor Terrence Curran confirmed the victims were students at the local high school, while the school district reassured families that crisis counselors would be available to support students in the aftermath of the incident.

“Our Cranford community suffered a terrible tragedy. We respect the privacy of the families involved, but understand the impact this news will have,” the district said.

The alleged stalking component has added an unsettling dimension to an already devastating story. Neighbors claim that one of the girls had been targeted for months, with the suspect reportedly demonstrating obsessive behaviors both in person and online.

“It’s terrifying to think this was happening in plain sight,” said a resident who asked not to be identified. “And for it to end like this… it’s just unbearable.”

Others questioned why repeated reports to school authorities and law enforcement did not prevent the escalating harassment. “How many warnings were ignored before this happened?” one woman asked, her voice breaking as she spoke.

As investigations continue, police are carefully reviewing the suspect’s movements and any prior complaints.

While authorities have not publicly commented on the stalking allegations, they confirmed that the driver remains in custody and that the case is being handled by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force in coordination with Cranford Police.

The incident has sparked intense discussion within the community and beyond about the risks of teen harassment, the responsibilities of schools and law enforcement, and the broader issue of road safety.

Residents have expressed both grief and frustration, with many questioning how such a preventable tragedy could have occurred. In the wake of the crash, neighbors continue to hold vigils and support one another, emphasizing solidarity in a time of heartbreak.

While the investigation unfolds, Maria and Isabela’s friends, families, and the entire Cranford community are left to grapple with the unimaginable loss.

Their deaths serve as a stark and painful reminder of the dangers posed by stalking and reckless behavior, and the need for vigilance and intervention before tragedy strikes.

As one grieving neighbor reflected, “They were just kids, living their lives… and now they’re gone. Nothing will ever bring them back.”

This shocking event has left Cranford shaken, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward, as the community seeks justice and closure.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the moments that led to this devastating loss of life.