New York man found guilty of killing social worker after she knocked on his door by mistake.
A Westchester County man has been convicted of murder in a case that has garnered significant media attention and raised concerns about violence against social workers. Hasseem Jenkins, 32, a resident of Peekskill, was found guilty on Wednesday for the fatal beating of 56-year-old Maria Coto, a social worker, outside his apartment building. The conviction follows a multi-week trial that revealed disturbing details surrounding the incident.
On May 14, 2024, Maria Coto was conducting a home visit in Peekskill. During her rounds, she mistakenly knocked on Jenkins’ door instead of her client’s. Jenkins responded immediately, delivering a punch to Coto’s face that escalated into a brutal attack. Investigators reported that he pursued Coto into a neighboring apartment, where he continued to stomp on her with heavy boots.
The physical altercation resulted in severe injuries to Coto, whose cerebral injuries were described as so catastrophic that they severed the nerves in her brain stem. Throughout the assault, Jenkins allegedly directed a barrage of verbal abuse towards Coto, with some of his threats captured in a frantic 911 call she managed to place after the initial attack.
During the trial, Jenkins’s defense team argued that he had unintentionally ingested PCP earlier in the day, claiming this impairment negated his intention to commit murder. However, the prosecution countered this defense by focusing on the severity of Coto’s injuries and Jenkins’ aggressive behavior, as evidenced by the recordings from the 911 call. The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution, leading to Jenkins’ convictions for second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, robbery, burglary, and weapons possession.
The case has sparked conversations regarding the dangers faced by social workers who often operate in vulnerable situations while serving their communities. In a statement following the verdict, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace paid tribute to Coto, describing her as a dedicated individual who devoted her life to helping others. Cacace emphasized the profound loss felt by those who knew Coto, underscoring her generous spirit and the impact she had on the lives she touched.
As the judicial process concludes in this tragic case, it serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in social work and the pressing need for enhanced protections for those who serve in such essential roles. Media News Source will continue to follow developments related to the safety of social workers and similar incidents in our communities.
