Heartbreak and anger ripple through a New Jersey town after two 17-year-old girls, Maria Neotes and Isabella Salis were killed in what prosecutors now call deliberate hit-and-run. A 17-year-old male suspect has been arrested and faces multiple charges with prosecutors considering whether he should be tried as an adult.
Authorities say the girls described by friends as inseparable best friends, were riding an e-bike along a quiet residential street when they were struck by an SUV. Investigators believe suspect had ongoing issues with one of victims and family members claim the attack had been planned for months.
In a livestream posted shortly before his arrest teen believed to responsible hinted he had “more information” about the circumstances leading up to the crash but stopped short of explaining. Instead, he claimed he had been bullied leaving many unanswered questions about his motives.
Maria’s mother, speaking after her daughter’s wake, described her as a bright, compassionate soul whose short life left a lasting mark.
“Her life may have been short, but it was powerful. She loved deeply. She gave generously. She dreamed boldly. She wasn’t just my daughter. She was my best friend.”
Prosecutors confirmed the suspect received 15 tickets tied to the crash, including driving without a valid license. While the investigation continues, the victims’ families are demanding the harshest possible punishment, calling the teen “a coward” who destroyed two promising young lives.
For now community mourns together remembering Maria and Isabella not just as victims, but as beloved daughters, friends and dreamers whose futures were cut short.
