Murder Indictment In Savage Attack On Social Worker Maria Coto

PEEKSKILL, NY — A savage attack on a social worker that shocked a community and changed the way the department operates will be prosecuted as a second degree murder.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Tuesday that a Peekskill man was indicted for the murder of 56-year-old Maria Coto, a Westchester County Department of Social Services case worker, who was conducting a site visit in Peekskill when investigators say she was attacked.

"Maria Coto was performing her job when she became the victim of a ruthless and brutal attack that led to her tragic death," Rocah said. "We are committed to securing justice for Ms. Coto."

31-year-old Hasseem Jenkins was arraigned on Tuesday before NYS Supreme Court Judge Anne E. Minihan in Westchester County Court after an indictment by a Westchester County Grand Jury for two counts of felony second degree murder, two counts of felony first degree burglary, felony third degree criminal possession of a weapon, felony first degree robbery, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Jenkins remains remanded to Westchester County Jail. His next court date will be on Aug. 6.

According to court documents, shortly after 3 p.m. on May 14, while Coto was conducting home visits on South Street in Peekskill, Jenkins is accused of repeatedly punching her in the face, chasing her into a neighbor’s apartment and repeatedly kicked her in the head while wearing heavy boots.

The Peekskill Police Department responded to the scene and arrested Jenkins, who cops say resisted the arrest. Officers also recovered the victim's cell phone from Jenkins' pocket.

Coto, who sustained a severe brain bleed, brain swelling and multiple facial fractures, was treated for her critical injuries at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. She was placed on a ventilator and remained unconscious until she was pronounced dead on June 19.

This case is being prosecuted by Major Case Bureau Chief Nadine Nagler and Assistant District Attorney Kevin Jones, both of the Trials and Investigations Division.

SEE ALSO:

• Westchester Puts New Safety Measures In Place For Social Services Staff After Assault
• 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