Westchester man who pummeled social worker to death during home visit charged with murder
The Westchester County man who pummeled a social worker to death during a home visit was charged with murder Tuesday as court documents revealed he asked cops if he killed anyone following his arrest.
Hasseem Jenkins, 31, was hit with a slew of charges after he allegedly beat Maria Coto inside a Peekskill apartment building while she was visiting a client, according to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Coto, 56, encountered Jenkins on May 14 when he allegedly punched her in the face, chased her into a neighbor’s apartment and relentlessly kicked her in the head with heavy boots, according to prosecutors.
The victim suffered severe brain bleeding, brain swelling and multiple facial fractures. She was placed on a ventilator but died more than a month later on June 19.
“Maria Coto was performing her job when she became the victim of a ruthless and brutal attack that led to her tragic death,” District Attorney Mimi Rocah said in a statement.
“We are committed to securing justice for Ms. Coto.”
Coto was able to call 911 before she was attacked, and after police arrived Jenkins hurled expletives at them and Coto, according to court documents obtained by The Journal News.
At police headquarters, Jenkins then asked cops if he killed anyone while denying he did anything to Coto and claiming she tried to stab him, the court docs state.
Hours later he claimed Coto knocked on his door looking for someone, which led him to allegedly grab her by the hair and slug her because he believed she wanted to attack him, the court docs state.
Coto’s cell phone was also allegedly found in Jenkins’ pants pocket.
Before Coto succumbed to her injuries, Jenkins was charged with attempted murder but the charges were upgraded.
Jenkins is also facing two counts of first-degree burglary, third-degree criminal possession and first-degree robbery.
He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to the county jail before his next appearance on Aug. 6.