Remembrance held for Westchester caseworker who was brutally beaten on the job, later died from injuries
Maria Coto, 56, worked for the Westchester County Department of Social Services.
More Stories
A remembrance ceremony was held Thursday evening for the Westchester County caseworker who died after being assaulted while on the job.
"I never thought this was going to happen to her. My family feels so bad about this, it's not easy," said Maria Coto's cousin, Dora.
Maria Coto, 56, worked for the Westchester County Department of Social Services.
Police say she died last week as a result of the injuries she sustained from an alleged assault that took place back in May. It happened at an apartment in Peekskill.
"I have no words to describe the hurt, anger, disgust and fear that I am carrying since this tragedy," said a colleague of Coto's during the remembrance ceremony.
Hasseem Jenkins, 31, has been charged in connection with the crime. He will be back in court July 17.
Officials with Westchester County tell News 12 they will be increasing security for staff making home visits. Specifically, escort security options will be available for workers when visiting clients in Peekskill. They are also working on other ideas like supplying panic buttons to the workers.
Coto's family says her life impacted an immeasurable number of people. They say she was kind, caring, passionate and very dedicated to her work.
Coto's funeral is scheduled for Friday morning in Yonkers.
RELATED: Westchester County implements better safety measures in response to caseworker assault
