“This Doesn’t Happen in Westchester” Man Charged with Attempted Murder, Will Now be Charged with Murder
God Bless Maria Coto
By Dan Murphy
A Westchester Social Worker who was brutally beaten by a man for knocking on the wrong door during a home visit in a Peekskill apartment has died. Maria Coto, 56, was on life support at the Westchester Medical Center since the May 19th incident before her breathing tube was removed on June 19.
The Peekskill Police reported, “On 06/19/2024, Maria Coto died as a result of the injuries she sustained during this assault. Hasseem Jenkins remains in the custody of the Westchester County Jail, where he awaits his next court appearance. Peekskill police detectives will continue to work collaboratively with the Westchester County District Attorney’s office on this case, which is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Peekskill police detective bureau immediately at 914-737-8000, or by email at arenwick@peekskillpolice.com. Anonymous tips may also be made at www.cityofpeekskill.com under the crime tips section.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Issues Statement on Passing of Maria Coto “We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Maria Coto. Maria was a dedicated employee of the Westchester County Department of Social Services, who was brutally attacked while selflessly performing her duties. It is enraging that someone whose life was devoted to helping others was viciously taken from her friends and family. We remember Maria for her warmth, courage and commitment to doing good and helping people.”
Coto, a senior caseworker, was a member of CSEA, and her union members are distraught over her passing. “Maria Coto’s life was cut short in a senseless and vicious attack simply because she was doing her job,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Her loss is felt throughout CSEA and shall serve as a solemn reminder of how we need to continue to fight for worker safety.”
“We are devastated by the passing of Maria Coto,” said Westchester County CSEA Local President Hattie Adams. “We will in her memory continue to be committed to do everything possible in conjunction with the Westchester County Executive’s office to educate and to assure our membership is safe while working to service the community. Our condolences go out to her CSEA family, co-workers, friends and family during this difficult time.”
According to the criminal complaint, Jenkins “… repeatedly punch[ed] [Maria] Coto with his fists and did repeatedly kick Ms. Coto with heavy boots … above the head and body causing Ms. Coto to sustain severe brain bleed, swelling of the brain, and multiple facial fractures …” according to the complaint filed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s office.
Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah will be announcing that Jenkins will now be charged with Coto’s murder at some point.
Jenkins had minor altercations with the law before this incident. He still has an outstanding case from an October 20, 2023, incident when he was charged with disorderly conduct and assault for an incident outside of the Field Library in Peekskill.
He was released and did not return for his court dates. On June 13 he appeared in Peekskill City Court for both cases and was met with a large number of Westchester Social workers who packed the courtroom.
Jenkins attempted murder-soon to be murder charge was transferred to county court in White Plains. Coto ran from Jenkins apartment, but he followed her screaming, “I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill you bch. I’m going to kill you bch,” the neighbor said.
One of Maria’s friends wrote to us, “All that my cousin did was knock on the wrong door, and she was taken from us for that? Mental illness is a ticking time bomb. Help us Jesus. This type of crime doesn’t happen in Westchester. She didn’t deserve it.”
