Hasseem Jenkins Gets 23-To-Life For Brutal Murder Of Social Worker Making Home Visit

PEEKSKILL, NY — A Westchester County judge has sentenced Hasseem Jenkins, who savagely beat Westchester County Department of Social Services worker Maria Coto to death in May of 2024.

Judge George Fufidio sentenced Jenkins to 23 years to life in state prison Thursday morning for the top count of murder in the second degree.

"Justice was served today. Maria Coto was a beacon of light in Westchester County," Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said in a statement announcing the sentence. "She devoted her life to helping others in desperate circumstances, which included numerous trips into the field to meet clients where they lived. For that, she paid dearly. Her savage murder is a reminder of the risks our county employees face daily when they go into the community. And it must serve as a wake-up call to all of us in county government."

While justice was served in the courtroom, Cacace said there is still work to be done.

"We must use this moment to redouble our commitment to protecting the public servants of Westchester County," the DA said. "I am calling on our State Legislature to adopt new measures that would enhance penalties for those who assault social services employees, and provide funds for critical safety equipment for our frontline workers. The safety of our public servants is non-negotiable. Maria Coto's death will not be in vain. Her boundless spirit will live on through her family, friends, DSS colleagues and all others who had the pleasure of knowing her. May she forever rest in peace."

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said that as Thursday's sentence offers some measure of closure, it also offers an opportunity to celebrate a lifetime spent helping others.

"On this day we remember Maria Coto for what she was — a dedicated employee of the Westchester County Department of Social Services who lost her life while selflessly performing her duties in service to others," Jenkins said. "Nothing will ever bring Maria back, or completely ease the pain of her loved ones, but we will all focus on how Maria devoted her life to helping people, and her warmth, courage and commitment to doing good remain her lasting legacy. Her loss continues to be deeply felt by her family, friends, colleagues and the entire Westchester community. Today, we choose to honor Maria’s life and service, and we mourn alongside her loved ones and her DSS colleagues. She will always be remembered for the compassion and purpose with which she lived."

SEE ALSO:

• Westchester Puts New Safety Measures In Place For Social Services Staff After Assault
• Murder Indictment In Savage Attack On Social Worker
• Attempted Murder Charges In Attack That Seriously Hurt 56-Year-Old
• Westchester Caseworker Dies Weeks After Attack In A Peekskill Home
• Vigil Honors Westchester County Social Worker Maria Coto