Accused NJ Killer's Police Chief Relative Condemns Double Murder

UPDATE: 'Coward Of A Man': Slain NJ Girls Families Lace Into Accused Killer

CRANFORD, NJ — As a shattered community tries to make sense of the death of two teen girls run down on a residential street, a victim’s neighbor, local police chief and relative of the accused killer has come forward to share his grief.

Westfield top cop Christopher Battilloro and his family live on the same street as one of the 17-year-olds, the street that was turned into a crime scene on Monday.

"As a result of this tragic incident, I lost a neighbor – a beautiful, charismatic young lady named Isabella Salas, who I have watched grow up since the day I moved to Cranford," says Battiloro.

Westfield's police chief also addressed rumors online regarding his family's involvement in the case. Accusations have been building on social media that his son was the driver who hit the teens while they were riding on electronic bikes.

"While social media has made it known that the accused is related to me, he is not my son and not a member of my immediate family," Battiloro added.

The chief's statement in full can be found at the bottom of this article.

On Wednesday, the Union County Prosecutor's Office announced that a 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the deadly crash and charged with two counts of murder. Reports say the boy stalked at least one of the Cranford High School students for months, leading her to file a restraining order against him.

Fatal Crash

At around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Cranford Police arrived at Burnside Avenue after two teenage bike riders were hit by a vehicle, according to authorities.

The two girls were airlifted to the hospital, where they later died, authorities said.

Police are asking for the public's help regarding a suspect and vehicle in the crash. Witnesses and those with surveillance footage are asked to come forward.

The driver has not been identified, and authorities have not confirmed any motives behind the crash.

A local business with ties to the family has confirmed to Patch that a gofundme to directly benefit the loved ones of the girls has been organized. Funds will be shared evenly to help with funeral costs.

Anyone with any information regarding the crash is asked to reach out to Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detective Alex Lanza at (908) 370-4318 or Cranford Police Detective Jason D’Agostino at (908) 276-0171.

Full statement from Chief Battiloro

Like many of you, I am shocked, stunned, and so overwhelmingly distressed beyond belief by the horrific loss of two young ladies, which occurred in the Township of Cranford on Monday night. Not only did my police officers and I urgently respond to this incident to aid our law enforcement partners in Cranford, but I reside it the very neighborhood where it occurred.

While social media has made it known that the accused is related to me, he is not my son and not a member of my immediate family. I want to be clear, as loud and as firm as possible, that in NO WAY do my wife, children or I condone, defend, or excuse the actions that caused this terrible and tragic loss of life.

I have been forced to remain silent so as to allow the Union County Prosecutor's Office and the Cranford Police Department time to conduct a thorough and complete investigation without any outside interference. Now that criminal charges have been filed and an arrest has been so rightly made, I now offer you this statement.

I do unequivocably condemn the actions of the accused, and like you, I demand that he face the consequences of his alleged actions in a court of law. As a law enforcement officer, I maintain full faith and confidence in our criminal justice system, and that it will ensure he is held fully accountable. I, too, pray for these families. I, too, demand full accountability and justice.

As a result of this tragic incident, I lost a neighbor – a beautiful, charismatic young lady named Isabella Salas, who I have watched grow up since the day I moved to Cranford.

My neighborhood feels violated and we are grieving. I am writing this to let you know that I stand WITH you – my Cranford friends and neighbors – and that I grieve WITH you.

My wife, my children and I are absolutely heartbroken over this senseless loss of life, but also of the lost feeling of safety and security in the neighborhood and community that you and I call home.

My children are Cranford Cougars through and through. And while I grew up in Westfield and am a Blue Devil at heart, some of the blue blood that runs through me is Cranford Cougar blue.

I am and will always be honored to serve as the Chief of Police in Westfield. The day I took office in this job, I pledged to be a person of honor, integrity, and pride. I have those words prominently displayed everywhere in this police department and on each and every one of our patrol cars, and they are etched deeply in my heart.

Please know, that I will continue to be a man of honor, integrity, and pride. You will never get anything less from me. Please know that I stand with you – my friends and neighbors – and that I grieve with you and I pray for you.

I am here for you. I offer you my most sincere, undying love, and any support or assistance that I or the Westfield Police Department can provide as we navigate this difficult time.

We are stronger together. We will honor the lives and legacies of these two young ladies, Isabella and Maria Niotis, together. And we will survive this horrible tragedy together.

With love for our Cranford community,

Chief Christopher Battiloro & Family

The story is developing. Check back with Patch for the latest.