Sentencing of Chanel Lewis in killing of Queens jogger Karina Vetrano is postponed

KEW GARDENS, Queens (WPIX) -- The sentencing of Chanel Lewis, who is convicted in the killing and sexual abuse of Queens jogger Karina Vetrano, was postponed Wednesday amid allegations of jury misconduct.

Lewis, 22, was expected to be sentenced Wednesday in the August 2016 attack after two trials.

After the sentencing was postponed, Lewis's supporters left the courtroom, chanting "Justice for Chanel."

Lewis's mother, Veta Lewis, joined others outside who said the "real killer" should be found.

“My son is innocent!” she declared at a press conference outside of the courthouse here. “All I want for my son, is justice for Chanel.”

For their part, Karina Vetrano's family made very little comment. Asked if he had anything to say, Phil Vetrano, Karina's father, said only two words: “Not now.”

A hearing is expected to take place next Monday, and include testimony from a witness. If the judge concludes that there was no jury misconduct, he plans to go forward with sentencing on Tuesday.

Vetrano, 30, was killed as she ran on a park trail in Howard Beach, Queens, in August 2016. Prosecutors said Vetrano had been sexually abused. Her father discovered the body the evening she'd gone missing.

The case, however, has proven to be complicated, as Lewis's first trial ended in a hung jury in November 2018.