The mother of slain Queens jogger Karina Vetrano arrived at a court appearance for her daughter’s alleged killer sporting a new tattoo of her child’s face on her forearm — and clutching a crucifix.
Cathie Vetrano sat on the edge of her seat, crucifix held to her heart and muttering something under her breath as accused killer Chanel Lewis was marched into the courtroom. Phil Vetrano, put his arm around his shaking wife.
Lewis, 21, appeared on the verge of tears throughout the routine court appearance.
Across the courtroom, his own mother, Veta Lewis, sat gripping a bible. She told The Post she carries it with her everywhere now, including to work.
The East New York man previously told cops he just “lost it,” as the 30-year-old beauty ran toward him during her Aug. 2016 jog in Howard Beach. I hit her about five times, and her teeth broke. I got madder and madder and I strangled her.”
Vetrano’s remains were found with her shorts around her ankles, but Lewis denies raping her.
Despite the confession, Lewis’ family maintains his innocence, as does his attorney, Robert Moeller.
“Well, they call it a confession,” the lawyer said. “That’s his, you know, 18 hours in custody with parts videotaped, parts not videotaped. I have some questions as to the statements.”
Lewis’ sister, Tracey Green, said her brother is “doing pretty good. I just visited him last night. He is hanging in there. He is strong.”
“I know the truth,” Green added. “He is innocent. He didn’t do it. He is falsely accused.”
Lewis, who faces life behind bars if convicted, is slotted to return to court Oct. 5.
As Vetrano’s family left court, her father muttered “I wish they would move it a little faster.”