A Westchester County man who fatally beat a social worker during a home visit was charged with murder Tuesday after asking officers after his arrest if he had killed someone, court documents showed.
Hasheem Jenkins, 31, faces numerous charges after he allegedly assaulted Maria Coto while she was visiting a client inside an apartment building in Peekskill, according to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said Coto, 56, encountered Jenkins on May 14, when he allegedly punched her in the face, chased her to a neighbor’s apartment and brutally kicked her in the head with a heavy boot.
The victim suffered severe cerebral hemorrhage, brain swelling and multiple facial fractures and was placed on a ventilator, but died more than a month later on June 19th.
“Maria Coto was the victim of a callous and brutal attack and tragically died while performing her duties,” District Attorney Mimi Roca said in a statement.
“We are committed to achieving justice for Koto.”
Coto was able to call 911 before the attack, and after police arrived, Jenkins began yelling abuse at police and Coto, according to court documents. The Journal News obtained it.
According to court documents, Jenkins asked officers at police headquarters if he had killed anyone, but he denied doing anything to Coto and claimed Coto had tried to stab him.
A few hours later, Coto claimed she knocked on the door looking for someone and he grabbed her by the hair and punched her because he thought she was trying to attack him, according to court documents.
Coto’s cell phone was also reportedly found in Jenkins’ trouser pocket.
Before Coto died from his injuries, Jenkins had been charged with attempted murder, but the charge was upgraded.
Jenkins also faces charges of first-degree theft, third-degree unlawful possession and two counts of first-degree burglary.
He pleaded not guilty and was held in the county jail until his next court appearance on Aug. 6.
