Karina Vetrano’s Murder Case Heads to Trial, as Race Remains a Factor to Some New Yorkers

Photo by Mo Gelber, who gave rights to Brooklyn News Service

 

By Benjamin Rubin and Oscar Montenegro

 

After more than two years since the murder of Karina Vetrano, her family can breathe a sigh of relief as her case is heading for trial that will decide the fate of her suspected murderer, Chanel Lewis.

But some, including the Rev. Kevin McCall of the National Action Network, express strong doubts that Lewis murdered Vetrano.

Karina’s parents, Philip and Cathy Vetrano, and family friends attended the Oct. 18 hearing at Queens County Criminal Court. It was the final hearing before jury selection begins Oct. 29.

Lewis’ attorney, Bob Moeller, who was standing next to Lewis, requested copies of reports on how tests were run on his client. “We have a right to know what tests were performed and whether they followed procedure,” Moeller said. Lewis, in a baggy white button-down shirt, stood motionless and staring down at his feet, while his mother and sister sat behind him.

Judge Michael Aloise denied Moeller’s request.

Karina Vetrano was a resident of Howard Beach who was attacked and murdered while on a jog at Spring Creek Park, allegedly by Lewis, on August 2, 2016. Karina Vetrano was found by her father, with her face pushed into the ground. The NYPD used familial DNA testing, which is a tactic used to find relatives of the person whose DNA evidence was found. The Vetrano family has been outspoken advocating the passing of laws to authorize the use of familial DNA testing.

Eleven states allowing familial searching, but New York is not one of them. Anti-searching advocates say that revealing such personal information would violate rights to privacy, and they are worried that millions of people be adversely affected.

Authorities say that in a confession Lewis admitted he was angry about a personal matter and took it out on Vetrano, who passed him by during his angry moments. He also allegedly admitted to beating and strangling Vetrano. Police say he denied sexually assaulting the young lady.

One prominent supporter for Lewis has been McCall, an associate of the Rev. Al Sharpton and an official with Sharpton’s National Action Network. McCall has attended every court hearing, supporting Lewis’ family. In the past, McCall he believes Lewis was “coerced into confessing.” McCall told Brooklyn News Service that the case against Lewis is “rife with inconsistencies” and he has said he believes a jury will agree with him.

McCall also has maintained that Lewis has a history of mental difficulties. He has suggested that Lewis’ psychological illnesses absolve him of criminal intentions of the kind alleged in this case.

Lewis was deemed by the court to be “mentally fit” to stand trial.

Howard Beach, where Vetrano was from, has a long history of racial tensions, including the 1986 murder of a black man and beating of two others by a white mob. The incident exacerbated racial tensions across New York City. One man, Jonatan Amaya, 24, who identifies as black and Latino, said, “I don’t like those people over there.” Residents of Howard Beach over the years have been largely Italian American.

“They [Howard Beach residents] see me, they stare,” Amaya said. “They see me, they call the cops . . .  If I’m walking in their neighborhood, it’s not for a ‘good reason’ in their minds.”

Amaya lives in the Pink Houses public housing development in the East New York section of Brooklyn, not far from Howard Beach. Lewis is also from eastern Brooklyn.

Karina Vetrano’s mother, Cathy, in the past has said she does not want this case to become a racial issue. “My daughter’s murder, violent murder, it should never be anything more than that what this is about,” Cathy Vetrano said.

“This isn’t a racial issue, we don’t want it to be like that,” she said.