Charges upgraded for man accused in brutal beating of social worker
Maria Coto's grieving colleagues and friends spent extra time outside the courthouse Tuesday telling stories about Coto's high energy and giving spirit.
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Friends and family of Maria Coto said Tuesday it was difficult to see Coto's accused killer in Westchester County Court Tuesday.
Hasseem Jenkins now faces second-degree murder charges.
"Now, we have to live everyday without her," said Coto's aunt, Maria Gutierrez, after Jenkins' arraignment Tuesday. "I want her name to keep going, living. Not to forget, because [sometimes] things happen and in a few months, everybody forgets about what happened. I don't want that."
Colleagues said Coto, 56, a Westchester County social worker, was doing home visits on May 14 at a Peekskill apartment complex when she encountered Jenkins.
Prosecutors say Jenkins punched Coto several times, chased her into a nearby apartment, and kicked her in the head while wearing heavy boots.
Coto had multiple facial fractures and a brain bleed.
She died on June 19.
A grand jury then indicted Jenkins with second-degree murder.
"It's still tough," said Hattie Adams, president of Coto's Union, CSEA Local 860.
Coto's grieving colleagues and friends spent extra time outside the courthouse Tuesday telling stories about Coto's high energy and giving spirit.
Some said it was helpful to share memories of Coto.
"We have some people who worked with her for 15 years," Adama said. "It's a difficult thing, but we're trying to heal as well as seek justice for Maria."
Jenkins' attorney said in court that Jenkins plans to file a detailed alibi, claiming he was not present during the attack.
Coto's family, annoyed with the slow pace of the proceedings, said they plan to be at the courthouse in White Plsins for every hearing.
"I'll be here until the end," Gutierrez said. "I hope God gives me the health so I can go."
Hasseem Jenkins remains in jail without bail.
He will return to the courtroom on Aug. 6 for a preliminary conference.
