Vincent Battiloro will be brought to justice for the deaths of Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis in Cranford

CRANFORD, New Jersey (WABC) — An 18-year-old accused of killing two teenage girls in Cranford, New Jersey, is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning for arraignment on an adult indictment charging him with two counts of first-degree murder.

Vincent Battiloro is accused of intentionally driving a vehicle at 17-year-old best friends Isabella Salas and Maria Niotis while they were riding an electric bike on Burnside Avenue last year.

Monday’s hearing marks the first time Battiloro is expected to appear in court in person. His previous court appearance was held virtually.

The case attracted much attention in Cranford, where family members, friends and community supporters continued to remember the two girls and push for justice.

Last month marked the first anniversary of the deaths of Salas and Niotis. Hundreds of people gathered at a vigil on Burnside Avenue to honor the teenagers, widely described as inseparable best friends.

Friends, relatives and an attorney representing the Niotis family have previously said there was a history of harassment involving Battiloro before the accident. Representatives for the families said they believe the criminal case is strong.

Battiloro was 17 at the time of the incident and was initially charged as a juvenile. He is now being prosecuted as an adult.

The arraignment is scheduled for around 9 a.m. in Elizabeth. The criminal case is still ongoing.

———-

* Get news from eyewitnesses

* More New Jersey news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Download our connected TV app

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a news tip or story idea we should cover? Submit it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If you attach a video or photo, the terms of use apply.