current case.
⠀ Two girls were killed. Now the accused driver is raising an insanity defense. ⠀.
A murder case in New Jersey took an important turn.
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Vincent Batiloro, 18, appeared in court on October 26, charged with the intentional killing of two 17-year-old girls, Maria Newtis and Isabella Salas.
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The girls were riding electric bikes together in Cranford in September 2025 when they were hit by a Jeep.
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The prosecutors claim that Tilloro deliberately accelerated towards them, reaching about 70 km/h in a 25 km/h zone.
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They also claim that in the past he mixed up and harassed one of the victims.
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His lawyers have now informed the court that they intend to raise defenses of insanity and diminished capacity. They are also seeking to move the trial because of widespread publicity.
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Battiloro pleaded not guilty.
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The families are also investigating earlier police interactions with the suspect, whose father is a retired officer.
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The trial will have to examine not only what happened on this road, but the state of mind and criminal responsibility of Batilros.
⠀ Background of the case: Vinny Politan examines the accusations and the investigation. ⠀.