Two young girls, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, were killed while riding their e-bike after being hit by a car. A teenager has been charged with their murder in connection with the crash. The uncle of the teen is a police chief named Christopher Battiloro. He is now facing a lawsuit, which claims he retaliated against a former police officer, Matthew O’Holla, who reported sexual harassment. This lawsuit is not connected to the crash.
The teenager was issued 15 tickets after the crash, including for leaving the scene of an accident, careless and reckless driving, and speeding. It’s alleged he was driving 70 mph in a 25 mph zone. He also didn’t have a license, registration, or insurance.
After the suspect’s arrest, Chief Battiloro said in a statement that the suspect “is related to me, he is not my son and not a member of my immediate family.”
The suspect was first detained and questioned, then released while the investigation continued. He was later arrested after a criminal complaint was filed.
Friends of the girls have said that the suspect had been bothering one of the teens. One friend said that complaints were made, but nothing was done. The prosecutor’s office would not comment on these claims because the investigation is still going on.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the girls’ families.
