WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT https://fb.watch/bLdYIvPIvd/
125 Punches to Innocent Victim, Tammel Esco Called Her an “Asian Bitch” During Beating
On March 14, Yonkers Police and Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah announced that Yonkers resident Tammel Esco was charged with a hate crime after violently attacking a 67-year-old Asian woman as she entered an apartment building in Yonkers.
On Friday, March 11th, 2022, at approximately 6:11 PM, members of the Yonkers Police Department responded to an apartment building in the confines of the 3rd Precinct on several reports of a dispute; information was given that a woman was bleeding at scene and the suspect was in front of the location. Upon arrival officers located the victim, an elderly female, in the vestibule of the building with severe facial injuries; she was transported to a local area trauma center. The suspect was located outside the building and placed into custody without incident.
Detectives from the Major Case Squad and Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene and interviewed subjects and witnesses, recovered surveillance video, and processed forensic evidence. Investigation yielded that the victim, a 67-year-old resident of the City of Yonkers, was returning home and saw the suspect in front of the building. As she walked past him, he called her an “Asian bitch;” the victim is of Asian descent. Ignoring his comment, the victim entered the vestibule of the building and was attempting to open the second door to enter the lobby when, without warning, the suspect approached from behind and punched her in the head, knocking her to the floor; he then stood over her and proceeded to punch her in the head and face more than 125 times with alternating fist strikes before foot-stomping her seven times and spitting on her. As a result of the beating, the victim suffered multiple contusions and lacerations to her head and face, facial bone fractures, and bleeding on the brain; she is currently listed in stable condition and is recovering in the hospital. The incident was captured on surveillance video.
Mayor Mike Spano stated, “Hate crimes are beyond intolerable in our city. I applaud our Yonkers Police for swiftly apprehending this violent criminal and removing him from our streets. I expect the suspect to be charged to the fullest extent of the law for his heinous actions. I continue to keep the victim and her family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Commissioner John J. Mueller stated, “This is one of the most appalling attacks I have ever seen; to beat a helpless woman is despicable and targeting her because of her race makes it more so. This defendant must be held to the maximum punishment allowed by law to send a clear message that hateful, violent behavior will not be tolerated in our communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family, that she may make a full recovery.”
DA Rocah said, “Our hearts are broken for the victim. The District Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Yonkers Police Department to investigate and secure justice for her and to support her and her family through this difficult time. We also understand that many in the community may experience fear and trauma as a result of this incident. We will continue our work with our community and government partners throughout the County to provide support for the community, by offering training and outreach on hate and bias offenses in local schools, senior centers and other community organizations.”
Esco is scheduled to appear again in Yonkers Criminal Court on March 25, 2022. The defendant is currently being held without bail.
The case is being prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office Bias & Hate Crimes Coordinator Catalina Blanco Buitrago. If anyone has been a victim of a hate crime or bias incident, or has further information on this case, please call the District Attorney’s Office at (914) 995-TIPS.
