Phil Vetrano Delivers Emotional Testimony in Daughter's Retrial

NEW YORK — "I relive that night every single day. The image of her… it never leaves me." These were the heart-wrenching words of Phil Vetrano, delivered with profound emotion on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, in the retrial of Chanel Lewis. Lewis, an East New York man, stands accused of the brutal killing of Karina Vetrano in August 2016 in Howard Beach.

Mr. Vetrano’s testimony served as a powerful and painful recounting of discovering his daughter’s body. The courtroom at Queens Supreme Court grew silent as he described the frantic search and the devastating discovery. The case, which has deeply impacted the Howard Beach community and beyond, continues to draw intense scrutiny.

A Decade-Old Tragedy Revisited in Court

Karina Vetrano, a 30-year-old speech pathologist, disappeared after going for a jog in Spring Creek Park, a popular spot near Cross Bay Boulevard. Her father found her body hours later in a marshy area off the running path. The subsequent investigation and initial trial garnered national attention due to the brutality of the crime and the sustained search for her killer.

Chanel Lewis was arrested in February 2017 after DNA evidence linked him to the scene. His first trial ended in a hung jury in 2019, leading to the current retrial. Prosecutors are once again presenting their case, aiming to secure a conviction based on DNA, a confession, and circumstantial evidence.

Father's Testimony Recalls Painful Discovery

Phil Vetrano’s testimony meticulously detailed the events of August 2, 2016. He recounted becoming increasingly worried when his daughter did not return from her run. He then described his decision to retrace her usual route into the park.

"I called her name, I shouted for her, but there was no answer," he told the jury, his voice thick with emotion. He eventually located her body in a remote part of the park, an image he reiterated has haunted him ever since. His testimony provided a raw, personal account of the tragedy that shook the tight-knit Howard Beach neighborhood. Queens legal proceedings often bring such painful details to light.

Prosecution's Case and Defense's Strategy

Assistant District Attorney Brad Leventhal presented Mr. Vetrano as a crucial witness, setting the emotional tone for the prosecution’s case. The prosecution aims to reinforce the narrative of a violent crime and Lewis's responsibility. DNA evidence, which prosecutors say definitively links Lewis to the crime, is a cornerstone of their argument.

Conversely, the defense, led by attorney Robert Moeller, has challenged the validity of Lewis's confession, claiming it was coerced. They have also raised questions about the integrity of the DNA collection and analysis. The defense team has maintained Lewis's innocence throughout the proceedings.

Community Impact and Search for Closure

The Vetrano case has profoundly affected Howard Beach. Residents along Cross Bay Boulevard and surrounding areas remember the fear and grief that permeated the community in the aftermath of Karina's death. The retrial brings a renewed focus on the tragedy, reopening old wounds for many.

Local civic leaders and community members have expressed a strong desire for definitive closure. "This community has waited a long time for justice for Karina," said Anthony Zollo, a lifelong Howard Beach resident who lives a few blocks from Spring Creek Park. "We just want to see this process through."

Security and Courtroom Proceedings

Security has been notably tight at the Queens Supreme Court throughout the retrial. Spectators and media personnel undergo extensive checks before entering the courtroom. The sheer volume of media interest underscores the significance of this case.

The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks, with both sides calling additional witnesses. Expert testimony on forensic evidence and police procedure is anticipated. The jury will ultimately weigh the evidence presented to deliver a verdict in this highly scrutinized case.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Vetrano Retrial

Who is Chanel Lewis and what is he accused of? Chanel Lewis is an East New York man accused of the murder of Karina Vetrano, who was found dead in Spring Creek Park in Howard Beach in August 2016. He was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and later made a confession, which his defense attorneys contest as coerced.

Why is this a retrial, and what happened in the first trial? The current proceedings are a retrial because Lewis's first trial in 2019 ended in a hung jury. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, leading the judge to declare a mistrial. The prosecution decided to pursue a second trial to seek a definitive outcome.

What is the significance of Spring Creek Park in this case? Spring Creek Park is the location where Karina Vetrano's body was discovered. It is a large, partially undeveloped parkland area near Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, popular with joggers and nature enthusiasts. Its remote sections played a role in the initial difficulty of the search and investigation.