Hasseem Jenkins sentenced to 23-years-to-life in murder of Maria Coto
Hasseem Jenkins had been found guilty of killing Westchester County Department of Social Services worker Maria Coto.
More Stories
A county judge sentenced Peekskill resident Hasseem Jenkins to 23-years-to-life in the 2024 murder of Maria Coto.
District Attorney Susan Cacace says the 56-year-old social worker was conducting a site visit when Jenkins "beat her until the nerves in her brain stem were severed beyond repair."
She later succumbed to her injuries.
"I am truly sorry for this incident. I can also assure Ms. Coto's loved ones that none of my actions were voluntary acts," said Jenkins.
RELATED: Peekskill community mourns loss of caseworker who died after being assaulted on the job
Much of Jenkins' defense relied on him allegedly unknowingly smoking a cigarette laced with the drug PCP.
Jenkins' argued that he was involuntarily intoxicated and the PCP fueled the violent attack.
"You're telling me that you were involuntarily intoxicated, that you don't know, you didn't know what you were doing. You would've never done this if you weren't intoxicated. On the flipside, there's evidence in this case that you did not abstain from drug use. You said, no one forced it out of you, 'I am a recreational PCP user,'" said County Court Judge George Fufidio.
After the sentencing, those who knew, and worked with Coto, gathered outside, demanding legislative action and protection to prevent future violent attacks.
Most recently, the DA's office announced a Yonkers woman was arrested Christmas Eve for allegedly attacking a pregnant Department of Social Services, or DSS, employee.
"The reality behind it is little has changed since the death of Maria Coto in terms of the many promises that were made to us in regard to protecting our members in the field," said President Joesph Dalli, with Unit 9200 CSEA.
The county has responded saying DSS continues to listen to the concerns from staff and modify as the situation requires.
It additionally mentioned there is increased training and escort services available for those who go out in the community.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
Peekskill man found guilty of murdering Westchester social worker after days of deliberations
Charges upgraded for man accused in brutal beating of social worker
Westchester County implements better safety measures in response to caseworker assault
