By Michael V. Cusenza
The tight-knit South Queens community of Howard Beach gathered at the intersection of 165th Avenue and 84th Street on Friday evening to pay its respects and honor the life and legacy of one of its brightest stars whose light was violently vanquished eight years ago.
The section of roadway will forever be known as Karina Vetrano Way.
File Photo
Karina Vetrano
“Tonight we remembered the life of Karina Vetrano along with her family and friends on her 38th birthday,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said. “Everyone that passes 165th Avenue and 84th street will know of the life that touched Howard Beach. We promise to always remember her joy for life and kindred spirit. May she continue to rest in God’s eternal peace.”
According to trial proceedings, Vetrano, 30, was alone as she jogged along a path in Spring Creek Park shortly before 6 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2016. Chanel Lewis, then 20, was also in the federal green space. Angry that a neighbor was playing loud music, Lewis was on the pathway where the nearly five-foot-tall victim was running. As the victim jogged past, Lewis lunged and grabbed her. Without uttering a single word, Lewis punched Vetrano in the face, breaking her teeth. He pulled at her clothes exposing both her breast and genitals.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
Councilwoman Ariola delivers remarks at the street co-naming ceremony as Karina’s parents look on.
According to trial testimony, the six-foot-tall Lewis straddled Vetrano and pressed his knees into her torso and grasped her neck with his hands and squeezed until she could breathe no more. At some point, Lewis dragged her in the weeds and left her body there.
In April 2019, the East New York resident was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
