Westchester County social worker dies of injuries after attack

A Westchester County social worker who was brutally beaten last month for knocking on the wrong door has succumbed to her injuries.

Maria Coto, 56, was on life support after the attack in Peekskill.

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

Haseem Jenkins, 31, was arrested and charged with the assault. Before Coto’s death, he was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault.

According to police, Coto was making a home visit to a Peekskill apartment on May 14 when she knocked on the wrong door.

Jenkins opened the door and immediately attacked Coto, hitting and kicking her with heavy boots, police said.

Coto tried to escape to a neighbor’s apartment. Jenkins repeatedly screamed, “I’m going to kill you, bitch,” the neighbor told police.

Officers found Coto unconscious and suffering from severe head injuries. She was taken to Westchester Medical Center and remained there for a month.

After the attack, Westchester County authorities announced enhanced security measures for social workers. Meanwhile, Jenkins is still awaiting his next court date.

“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,” Latimer said Wednesday. “Today we all mourn her loss and grieve with her friends and family.”