The quiet suburb of Cranford, New Jersey, has been shaken to its core after the deaths of two teenage girls, Maria Niotis and her close friend Isabella Salas. What began as a carefree evening ride on their e-bikes ended in tragedy when they were struck and killed by a vehicle. Now, their families are demanding answers — not just about the crash itself, but about a months-long pattern of alleged stalking and police inaction that may have led to it.

According to the family’s attorney, the young man now charged with the girls’ deaths had been harassing Maria since the spring. The behavior allegedly escalated over several months, culminating in a series of deeply unsettling incidents — including multiple “swatting” calls that sent police rushing to the family’s home for false emergencies. Despite these incidents, no restraining order was issued, and the suspect was reportedly never questioned in depth.

Maria’s mother recalls a chilling moment in early fall when, after one of those false calls, she discovered the car of the suspected stalker parked outside her home. When she raised concerns, she was told the situation was “under control” and that the teen would simply be sent home. No follow-up investigation ever came, leaving the family increasingly anxious — and, now, heartbroken.

The crash that killed Maria and Isabella has since been ruled a criminal case, with the driver — a juvenile — facing first-degree murder charges. But for the families, this is not simply about a deadly accident. They believe it may have been the final act in a series of deliberate, escalating acts of harassment that should have been stopped long before tragedy struck.

The family’s attorney is calling for a full review of how police handled the earlier reports. Were the prior incidents documented? Was evidence — such as surveillance footage or officer body-cam recordings — ever collected? And if so, why wasn’t stronger action taken to protect the victims?

There are also growing concerns about whether the suspect’s family ties to local law enforcement may have influenced the investigation. The attorney has publicly questioned whether favoritism or hesitation played a role, suggesting that the suspect may have believed he could act without consequence.

Beyond the immediate grief and outrage, this case is sparking a broader discussion about how stalking — particularly among teenagers — is treated by authorities. Too often dismissed as “teen drama,” such behavior can evolve into something far more dangerous. When early warning signs are ignored, the consequences can be devastating.

As Cranford mourns, the community is asking hard questions: How could such warnings go unheeded? Could stronger intervention have saved two young lives? And what must change to ensure that other families don’t suffer the same heartbreak?

For Maria and Isabella’s loved ones, the answers can’t come soon enough. Their attorney continues to press for transparency, accountability, and a public acknowledgment that systemic failures may have played a role in this loss. The families want justice — but they also want reform, so no other parent has to experience the same unbearable pain.