A man has been found guilty of murder for beating a social worker to death after she mistakenly knocked on his door, as reported by Liam Quinn, a crime reporter for People Magazine. This tragic incident occurred on May 14, 2024, when Maria Coto, a 56-year-old social worker, was conducting a site visit in Peekskill, New York. Hasseem Jenkins, the perpetrator, was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the attack.
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According to the Westchester District Attorney’s Office, Jenkins viciously assaulted Coto by repeatedly punching her in the face, chasing her into a neighbor’s apartment, and kicking her in the head while wearing heavy boots. The brutal attack left Coto with severe injuries, including a brain bleed, brain swelling, and facial fractures. Tragically, Coto succumbed to her injuries and passed away in the hospital five weeks after the assault.
District Attorney Susan Cacace expressed, “Maria Coto’s life was cut short on May 14, 2024. As proved during a multi-week trial, Hasseem Jenkins beat her until the nerves in her brain stem were severed beyond repair, hurling repeated epithets as she lay dying on the floor.” Coto, a dedicated social worker known for her generous spirit, had devoted her life to helping others and touched the lives of many with her compassion and kindness.
Reports indicated that Coto mistakenly knocked on Jenkins’ door at an apartment building, unaware of the tragic consequences that would follow. Prosecutors revealed that Jenkins was under the influence of PCP at the time of the brutal attack. Jenkins is set to be sentenced in December, marking the next step in the legal proceedings following his conviction for this heinous crime that took the life of an innocent social worker.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by individuals working in social services and the importance of ensuring their safety while they carry out their vital work in communities. The conviction of Hasseem Jenkins for the murder of Maria Coto brings a sense of justice for her family, friends, and colleagues who continue to mourn her loss and honor her memory.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, authorities and social service organizations may need to review safety protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The memory of Maria Coto, a dedicated social worker whose life was tragically cut short, will live on through the lives she touched and the impact she made in her commitment to helping others.
In the wake of this heartbreaking case, the justice system’s decision to hold Jenkins accountable for his actions sends a powerful message about the consequences of perpetrating violence against those who dedicate their lives to serving and assisting others. While nothing can undo the loss of Maria Coto, her legacy of compassion and service will endure as a testament to the profound impact of social workers in our communities.
This conviction serves as a somber reminder of the need to support and protect social workers and other frontline workers who tirelessly work to improve the lives of individuals and families in need. As the legal process moves forward, the memory of Maria Coto will remain a beacon of light in the social work community, inspiring others to continue her legacy of kindness, empathy, and dedication to helping those in need.