Hundreds attend wake for Isabella Salas, NJ teen girl killed with best friend in intentional hit-and-run

Approximately 500 individuals gathered on Saturday morning for the wake of Isabella Salas, one of two teenagers from New Jersey who were tragically struck down by a troubled stalker while riding their bikes.

Many mourners stood in line for up to two hours outside the Dooley Funeral Home in West Cranford, eager to offer their condolences to Isabella’s distraught parents, who were visibly shaken as they supported each other in their grief.

Friends and classmates from Cranford High School were seen on the line, many weeping and providing solace to one another.

Near the closed casket were dozens of floral tributes, including one from the Cranford High School Drama Club, reflecting Isabella’s passion for singing and acting.

A heart-shaped pink arrangement adorned with roses and lilies, alongside a purple display decorated with musical notes, added to the somber atmosphere.

A large, framed photograph of Isabella rested atop her casket. She is scheduled for burial on Monday at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ.

Isabella was known for her love of animals, particularly her dog, Tucker, as described by family friend Carolyn Pugliese.

“It’s truly heartbreaking,” Pugliese remarked. “Isabella was very close to her family, and they all cherished their time together.”

Latest Updates on the Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident that Claimed Two Teen Lives

• Teen in NJ revealed unsettling obsession with one of his hit-and-run victims prior to the incident
• NJ teen girl killed in hit-and-run remembered as a ‘wonderful young lady’ as grieving friends and family gather at her funeral
• Teen suspect’s disturbing remarks regarding the hit-and-run deaths in an unsettling livestream
• Suspected teenager identified in the targeted hit-and-run deaths of the NJ girls
• Large turnout at the wake for Isabella Salas, the NJ teen fatally struck alongside her best friend in a deliberate hit-and-run

“The impact is immense for everyone,” said Jose Febus, a friend of Isabella’s grandmother.

“It’s double the heartache for this community,” the 70-year-old added, noting the turnout of over 500 mourners.

“This is truly devastating,” said another attendee, who arrived with his young daughter. “We recognized her from choir and other events—it’s a close-knit community.”

The other victim, Maria Niotis, was laid to rest on Friday after a service at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, which was filled to capacity.

Both girls were riding an e-bike when they were allegedly struck by Vincent Battiloro, 17, traveling at 70 mph on a street in Cranford.

Loved ones and neighbors have reported that Battiloro stalked Maria for months, even lingering outside her home in his Jeep and refusing to depart when confronted.

Tony Pugliese, who is also acquainted with Isabella’s family, expressed the community’s sentiment, stating, “We desire justice for both her and Maria. It’s incredibly distressing. Nothing was done about the stalking; it’s a tragic oversight.”

Battiloro, charged as a juvenile on Wednesday with two counts of first-degree murder, faces the possibility of his case being transferred to adult court, as expected to happen this week.

Authorities confirmed that Battiloro does not possess a driver’s license.