Parents of slain N.Y. jogger: 'Justice will be served'
HOWARD BEACH, N.Y. (WPVI) -- The parents of the woman found murdered after going for a jog in New York's Howard Beach neighborhood spoke out publicly Sunday about the death of their daughter, with her father saying, "Justice will be served."
No arrests have been made in the death of Karina Vetrano, 30, of Queens, who left her home for a jog around 5 p.m. Tuesday. When she failed to return, family members reported her missing and started searching for her.
She was found around 9 p.m. in the marshes of Spring Creek Park, off 161st Avenue and 78th Street.
The medical examiner's office performed an autopsy Wednesday and ruled her death a homicide, saying she was strangled.
Vetrano's father, Philip, began the press conference outside the family's home by expressing thanks to the NYPD, as well as friends and neighbors.
Her mother, Cathy, delivered a strong message directed toward the killer.
"Now it's the whole entire world against you," she said. "The whole entire world knows what a pathetic, puny, weak, piece of filth that you are. ... And soon, I know they're all going to know your face as well."
"Justice will be served. That's why we have the PD. That's why we have God," said Philip Vetrano.
Outside the home was a floral arrangement dedicated to Karina. "Eleven was her favorite number," said Mr. Vetrano. "She loved butterflies, she loved rainbows, she loved nature, and that's what this represents. She loved cats, also."
Vetrano, a retired firefighter, said the family is counting on the hard work by the NYPD to eventually find the killer.
The funeral for Karina Vetrano was held Saturday in Howard Beach.
On Thursday, police said the crime appears to be random, and that it appeared she also was sexually assaulted. They also said she fought back against her attacker, and they were hopeful that would lead to new evidence.
Hundreds came to a wake for Vetrano in Ozone Park Friday to pay their respects to the family, in a steady stream of love and grief.
"I said to the father, I don't know what to say, for the first time in my life I have nothing to say," said family friend JoAnne Rosina.
PHOTOS: Jogger killed at Howard Beach in Queens
