A New Jersey police chief denounced his relative, accused of mowing down two teen ladies – one among whom he was allegedly stalking – as the highest cop mourned the loss of life of his neighbor.
Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro distanced himself from his distant relative, who was charged with double homicide within the killings of 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas in Cranford, NJ on Monday.
“Whereas social media has made it identified that the accused is expounded to me, he’s not my son and never a member of my instant household,” Battiloro wrote in a press release to Fb on Wednesday.
“I need to be clear, as loud and as agency as doable, that in NO WAY do my spouse, kids or I condone, defend, or excuse the actions that induced this horrible and tragic lack of life.”
Niotis and Salas, each college students at Cranford Excessive Faculty, have been driving an e-bike collectively when a driver in a black 2021 Jeep rammed into them at round 5:30 p.m. Monday.
Each ladies died on the hospital.
“Like lots of you, I’m shocked, surprised, and so overwhelmingly distressed past perception by the horrific lack of two younger girls,” Battiloro mentioned
“Because of this tragic incident, I misplaced a neighbor – a fantastic, charismatic younger woman named Isabella Salas, who I’ve watched develop up for the reason that day I moved to Cranford.”
The police chief mentioned he and his officers responded to the scene of the crash that mortally wounded the 2 ladies.
Battiloro had remained silent till investigators charged a 17-year-old boy with two counts of homicide on Wednesday, calling for justice for the 2 teenagers. The suspect has been named publicly as he’s a minor.
“I do unequivocably condemn the actions of the accused, and such as you, I demand that he face the implications of his alleged actions in a courtroom of regulation,” Battiloro mentioned.
“As a regulation enforcement officer, I keep full religion and confidence in our prison justice system, and that it’ll guarantee he’s held totally accountable. I, too, pray for these households. I, too, demand full accountability and justice.”
Family members advised native TV retailers that the accused killer was stalking one of many ladies, who filed a restraining order towards the teenager. It’s unclear which lady took out the restraining order.
“She made complaints and nothing was accomplished,” good friend Tammy Carbajal advised CBS 2. “It’s only a tragedy. It’s only a tragedy.”
A neighbor advised Fox 5 that the alleged killer parked exterior the lady’s home for 3 months main as much as the tragedy.
“He was by no means stopped,” the neighbor mentioned.
The grieving police chief says his household was left devastated by the tragedy that “violated” their hometown.
“My spouse, my kids and I are completely heartbroken over this mindless lack of life, but in addition of the misplaced feeling of security and safety within the neighborhood and neighborhood that you simply and I name dwelling,” he mentioned.
Battiloro made clear that his job is to stay a person of honor, integrity, and pleasure, a pledge he took when he was appointed chief in December 2018.
“I stand with you – my pals and neighbors – and that I grieve with you and I pray for you,” he mentioned. “I’m right here for you. I give you my most honest, timeless love, and any assist or help that I or the Westfield Police Division can present as we navigate this troublesome time.
“We’re stronger collectively. We are going to honor the lives and legacies of those two younger girls, Isabella and Maria Niotis, collectively. And we are going to survive this horrible tragedy collectively,” Battiloro concluded.
