'Our hearts are theirs.' Local knitting group dedicates memorial to Cranford hit-and-run victims
The Yarnbusters have created a valentine that goes beyond what any card could ever say, filling an entire gazebo with crochet hearts in memory of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.
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A local knitting group in Cranford has put together a Valentine's Day dedication to two teen girls killed in a hit-and-run crash last fall.
The Yarnbusters created a valentine that goes beyond what any card could ever say, filling an entire gazebo with crochet hearts in memory of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas.
According to police, Niotis and Salas were intentionally run over by an SUV while riding an e-bike in September of 2025.
"It's such a tragedy that happened, and it's such a little thing to do for the families to show some love and remind everybody about what we've lost, what everyone's lost," said Teresa Murray, a member of the Yarnbusters.
The gazebo is decorated with hearts in multiple colors and patterns, each one knitted or crocheted by a Cranford local.
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Murray said her group decorates the gazebo every year.
"This year we decided to keep it simple and show some love and compassion for two families who have lost so much," she said. "We need to keep them in our hearts, and our hearts are theirs."
The gazebo is on Springfield Avenue, just steps away from Cranford's municipal building.
"As a town, we have not forgotten. There is still a great deal of outreach and remembrance of these two beautiful young women who should be here today enjoying all the things that teenage girls enjoy," said Cranford Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty. "You can't help but see it and smile when you go by because of the beautiful colors and hearts or if you know what the hearts are here for, the dedication, it kind of touches you in a special way."
Vincent Battiloro of Garwood has been charged with two counts of murder in the first degree.
He was 17 at the time of the hit-and-run. At this point, there is no indication Battiloro will be tried as an adult.
