Peekskill, NY social worker killed during home visit – NBC New York

A social worker in Peekskill, New York, was attacked during a home visit and later died of her injuries, authorities said.

According to police, 56-year-old Maria Coto was attacked on South Street during a home visit on the afternoon of May 14. Coto was found unconscious by officers with severe head injuries and was taken to Westchester Medical Center. Police said Coto died Wednesday from injuries she sustained in the attack.

Hasseem Jenkins, 31, was at the South Street scene on May 14 when police arrived and was arrested, police said. Jenkins was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault, officials said.

“Maria was a dedicated employee of the Westchester County Department of Social Services who was brutally attacked while selflessly performing her duties,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “It is outrageous that someone whose life was dedicated to helping others was brutally taken from her friends and family.”

Jenkins is still in custody at the Westchester County Jail, police said, awaiting his next court date.

In response to the attack, the county’s Department of Social Services has expanded the availability of security escorts for staff conducting home and community visits.

“This unforeseen and tragic incident has prompted us to take immediate action to protect our personnel from further harm while performing their duties on behalf of Westchester County,” Latimer said.

Century Protective Services has been tasked with ensuring the safety of staff making home visits on a case-by-case basis, the department said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the attack on Coto to contact Peekskill Police.