By Mark Hallum
Police have released the sketch of a man they would like to question in connection with the murder of Howard Beach resident, Karina Vetrano. The 30-year-old was found dead Aug. 2 after leaving her home at 164-30 84th St. to go jogging down an unfrequented path in Spring Creek Park. Her father found the body of his daughter, who had been raped and strangled.
Witnesses have recently come forward and said they saw a man in the vicinity of the crime scene during the time Vetrano disappeared, according to the NYPD. The police sketch depicts a thin, dark-skinned man, with a full beard and wearing a sock hat in summer.
The police said they wanted to talk to the man about what information he might have about the murder. But they stressed he was not considered a suspect or a person of interest.
The homicide has shaken the tight-knit community, which has rallied in response to the murder. A reward established by her father has surpassed $300,000 for information leading to the capture and conviction of the killer. At a Howard Beach gathering, the victim’s father, Phil Vetrano, went so far as to offer the reward to the killer’s family on the condition that he come out of hiding.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
