NYC detectives investigate possible fishing-knife motive in jogger stabbing
Police are examining whether a fisherman’s bait knife was used in the throat attack on jogger Katie Suarez, who remains brain-dead on life support, while continuing to seek witnesses and video evidence.
New York City detectives are exploring a theory that a fisherman’s bait knife may have been used to slash the throat of 28-year-old jogger Katie Suarez on the Shore Parkway Greenway promenade on Friday night. Law-enforcement sources said the possibility arose because many anglers frequent the area and often carry small knives for cutting bait.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters the case bears similarities to the 2016 murder of Karina Vetrano, a jogger killed in Queens, noting the proximity of the two incidents and the random nature of the attacks.
"Listen, it’s very eerily similar to the Howard Beach Jogger case," Kenny said.
Suarez, a Brooklyn College graduate who worked as a TD Bank teller, was found by her father at about 8:16 p.m. after failing to meet her parents at a scheduled spot. She had been stabbed on both sides of her neck and collapsed a short distance from where the attack occurred. Police said she attempted to keep running before collapsing under a tree.
Family members said Suarez is currently brain-dead and remains on life support. Her cousin, Gianluca Frances, said the mother is hesitant to withdraw life-sustaining treatment.
"The mom is really hesitant on pulling the plug. She doesn’t want to see her daughter leave just yet," Frances said.
Investigators are reviewing Suarez’s phone and computer records and are seeking information from other pedestrians, joggers, a nearby food-truck operator, and drivers who may have dash-cam footage. Kenny estimated that more than 1,700 vehicles passed the location during the 20-minute window in which the attack likely occurred.
A coworker at the Wendy’s restaurant Suarez frequented described her as an outgoing regular customer. TD Bank issued a statement expressing sadness over the incident and confirming cooperation with police.
Suarez’s cousin called for additional safety measures in public parks, suggesting increased police presence or camera installations.
"Hopefully a story like this can encourage public policy handlers to incorporate policemen or officers into the park, or a camera installed," Frances said.
Kenny said a dedicated task force has been assembled and that significant resources are being allocated to solve the case.
"We have a tremendous amount of assets dedicated to this. We’ve set up a task force. We have a major case on it. We’re really working it on," Kenny said.