Lawyers for Chanel Lewis, the 21-year-old accused of raping and murdering Karina Vetrano, have withdrawn their bid for an insanity defence. The decision was announced in Queens Criminal Court on Thursday, surprising prosecutors.
Lewis is accused of attacking Vetrano, 30, as she jogged near her home in Howard Beach, Queens, on 2 August 2016. His attorney, Robert Moeller, stated that while Lewis has mental health issues, they do not meet the legal threshold for an insanity plea.
Lewis was evaluated by psychiatrists while held at Rikers Island prison. Moeller also noted that Lewis's confession may be unreliable, as it was given after nearly 24 hours in custody.
Prosecutors have requested the full DNA profile of Lewis, as well as the DNA profiles of over 150 persons of interest previously swabbed by police. The case continues.
