Following the death of her daughter on Monday evening, the mother of 17-year-old Maria Niotis spoke publicly for the first time Thursday night outside the church where her daughter’s wake was held.

Vincent P. Battiloro, 17, of Garwood, was charged Wednesday with two counts of murder. He is accused of hitting and killing Maria and Isabella Salas, also 17, as they rode an e-bike in Cranford on Monday.

Maria’s mother, Foulla Niotis, addressed the press on the lawn of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union following Maria’s wake.

“I’m not standing here today not just as a mother, but as Maria’s mother, and that is the greatest title I will ever hold,” Niotis said. “Maria had a passion for all things beautiful …. but it wasn’t just about appearance, Maria believed in making people

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