WHITE PLAINS, NY – A memory in honor of one Westchester County social worker who was beaten to death after knocking on the wrong door is scheduled for Thursday.
Maria Coto, 56, was then attacked by a man accidentally knocked on his door during a field visit in Peekskill. She ran to a neighbor’s apartment, reportedly followed by Haseem Jenkins, 31, who is accused of punching and kicking her. He allegedly said, “I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill you, b****.”
She was hospitalized for almost two weeks but eventually died.
Jenkins was initially charged with attempted murder and assault. So far, there’s no word on whether the charges have changed since Coto died.
The union representing Coto called it the most serious attack on one of their own unions in recent history. The largest union of municipal workers in Westchester County will host a memorial in her honor on Thursday. The event will take place at 5:30 PM at the Michaelian Office Building at 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Maria Coto. Maria was a dedicated employee of the Westchester County Department of Social Services who was brutally attacked while selflessly performing her duties. It is infuriating that someone whose life was dedicated to helping others was viciously taken from her friends and family,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said upon learning of her death. “While we are committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case, at this time we wish to focus solely on remembering Maria for her warmth, courage, and dedication to doing good and helping people. Today, we all mourn her loss and grieve alongside her friends and family.”
After Coto’s attack, Latimer approved an emergency contract to expand security for decision-makers on the field.
