Teen Charged With Double Murder After Crash That Killed 17-Year-Old Girls In Cranford

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

UPDATE: Accused NJ Killer's Police Chief Relative Condemns Double Murder

CRANFORD, NJ — A 17-year-old boy from Garwood was arrested and charged with two counts of murder after a crash that killed two 17-year-old girls in Cranford on Monday, according to the Union County Prosecutor's Office.

He is now in police custody.

CBS News New York reported the driver fled the scene but is now in custody. Authorities have not confirmed this to Patch.

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.

A neighbor told Fox 5 that authorities at the school and the police had been notified of the ongoing issue.

"He's been parked outside her house for three months now. He was never stopped," she said.

Dr. Scott Rubin, Superintendent of Cranford Public Schools, addressed the community Wednesday, saying "We remain in close communication with local and County law enforcement partners and are taking every measure to ensure that our schools continue to be safe."

An increased police presence was instituted across all of the schools in the district on Wednesday out of an abundance of caution, Rubin said. "This is not in response to any specific threat, but rather a proactive step to provide additional peace of mind for our school community during this incredibly difficult time."

On Tuesday night, locals gathered around tributes to the victims, identified as Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, by CBS News New York and Fox 5. A portion of Burnside Avenue, the site of the crash, was closed for the vigil to honor the two former Cranford High School students.

MORE FROM PATCH: Witnesses, Video Sought In Deadly E-Bike Crash Of 2 Teen Girls In Cranford

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.

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

MORE FROM PATCH: 2 Cranford High School Students ID'd As Girls Fatally Hit On Bikes: Mayor