Security Cameras Installed Near Trail Where Queens Jogger Was Killed
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD has installed several cameras near the trail where a jogger was killed in Queens.
Eight new security cameras were placed on the perimeter of Spring Creek Park in Howard Beach, where 30-year-old Karina Vetrano was murdered while running through the park on Aug. 2.
"They are going to film everyone that goes in and out," Queens Borough President Melinda Katz told WCBS 880's Rich Lamb. "Clearly, I am only sorry the cameras were not there earlier."
Police said Vetrano was strangled and possibly sexually assaulted. Her father along with authorities found her body hours after she didn't return home from her jog.
The NYPD cameras are actually located on city roads and not in the federally managed park. Officials are said to be considering installing surveillance cameras inside the park as well, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.
Meanwhile, the reward for information leading to her killer has grown to more than $300,000.
A GoFundMe account set up by Vetrano's family has raised more than $265,000 over a two-week span while a $35,000 reward for information is being offered by the NYPD.
So far, police have not been able to identify a suspect, but sources said they have expanded their search to East New York, Brooklyn, which borders part of the park.
They are still questioning known sex offenders in the area and people who have previously gotten tickets for trespassing in the park as they try to more solid leads in this case.
Police have said they are desperate for tips from the public that could help them find a suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.