At the first meeting of the Cranford Township Committee since the deaths of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas last week, Police Chief Matthew Nazarro asked the public to stop using social media to speculate about the hit-and-run incident.

Niotis and Salas were struck and killed while riding an e-bike on Sept. 29 and the driver who hit them, Vincent P. Battiloro , also 17, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Nazarro said the deaths have “deeply affected our community” and offered condolences to the girls’ families.

“As we navigate this exceptionally challenging period, it is crucial that we unite in support of the victims’ families who are affected by this horrific event,” Nazarro said.

The chief asked for the public’s patience and understanding as the investigatio

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