Westchester social worker dies weeks after attack at Peekskill home

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY – A Westchester County social worker who was brutally attacked during a home visit in Peekskill has died.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death 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,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said in a statement Wednesday. “It is outrageous that someone whose life was dedicated to helping others was cruelly taken from her friends and family. While we are committed to ensuring justice is served in this case, at this moment we just want to focus on remembering Maria for her warmth, courage and commitment to doing good and helping people. Today, we all mourn her loss and grieve with her friends and family.

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Coto, a social worker with the Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS), was seriously injured in the attack last month and a suspect was arrested on charges of attempted murder.

She was hospitalized for serious injuries since the attack but eventually died.

Peekskill police said officers responded to calls shortly after 3 p.m. on May 14 reporting a robbery at a South Street apartment.

At the scene, police found a 56-year-old woman with serious injuries. Rescue workers and firefighters from Peekskill were also on site and treated the woman, who was then taken to Westchester Medical Center.

Officers took 31-year-old Haseem Jenkins, who was nearby, into custody. He was charged at the time with attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Earlier this month, Westchester County announced additional security measures for its staff in response to the attack on Coto. DSS is now offering increased security escorts for staff during community and home visits. The county said that while DSS has long offered escort services, the new initiative expands their availability to cover more visits and programs.

“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 earlier this month. “DSS employees perform important work in the community, we respect them and want to do everything we can to ensure their safety.”

The ministry said measures have now been taken to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.

“Due to the urgency of this situation, DSS has determined that an immediate contract with a security contractor is necessary,” said DSS Commissioner Leonard Townes. “Our employees do extremely selfless work and we want to ensure their safety every step of the way.”

Century Protective Services, Inc. will provide escorts on a case-by-case basis.

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