Karina Vetrano Murder Update: Supporters Hold Vigil As Search For Killer Continues [VIDEO]
Police are currently on the lookout for the person or people responsible for the murder of 30-year-old Karina Vetrano, who was strangled and possibly sexually assaulted in a marshland close to a bike path in Queens. The tragic incident happened sometime Tuesday afternoon.
Vetrano has jogged in the path numerous times before, though normally, she would run with her father, a retired firefighter. On that particular day, however, her father had been complaining of a back ache, and thus, he was not able to accompany her.
When she did not return from her run, her father started to get worried. He then contacted a police chief who lives nearby, who then informed 911 about the incident. A search was immediately initiated, ultimately ending with Vetrano's father finding her body lying face down on the ground.
The 30-year-old jogger had been dragged about 15 feet from the path. Reports from police have also noted that her legs were scraped and her sports bra and shorts were pulled down, suggesting that her killer might have sexually assaulted her.
Vetrano's death has brought a cloud of grief over her community, with family and friends holding a candlelight vigil for the slain jogger on Wednesday. Family friend DJ Skribble stated that her murder just didn't make any sense.
"This girl was a beautiful girl in the prime of her life, taken down by an animal. The fact that this happened literally in my backyard. I live around the corner from them, it just doesn't make any kind of sense. I hope they just catch the animal that did it, that's all I care about right now," Skribble said.
A full-scale manhunt for Vetrano's killer has already been initiated by authorities, with trash around the scene of the crime currently being tested for possible evidence. With the investigation in full swing, authorities have also asked the public for any helpful tips that might aid in the quick solving of the grisly case.