The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 13, 2025
Today: April 13, 2025

Man accused of beating social worker to death for knocking on wrong door pleads not guilty

August 01, 2024
Tony Aiello - WCBS/WLNY

    WHITE PLAINS, New York (WCBS/WLNY) -- A Westchester County man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a brutal attack that killed a social worker.

Maria Coto was hospitalized for 36 days after being attacked.

Haseem Jenkins, 31, is accused of fatally punching and kicking Coto. Peekskill Police believe Jenkins attacked Coto unprovoked after she mistakenly knocked on his door.

"She knocked on a door and was assaulted and that's really all that we have," Coto's goddaughter Judy Yanas said

"So much that my niece suffered, and it's not fair," Coto's aunt Maria Gutierrez said.

Yanas said her godmother was a kind person dedicated to her career as a social worker.

"We will live our life without her for the rest of our lives. So it's important for us to know that he will not hurt nobody else," Yanas said.

In court Jenkins repeatedly looked at family members in the audience and tried to communicate with them. They left without comment.

Jenkins is being held in jail without bail.

Family seeks better protection for social workers

The victim's family spoke out after the court appearance to call for justice and better protection for workers who visit clients in the field.

Gutierrez says she is worried about Coto's coworkers. The county is working with the union on security measures.

"Some type of panic button that social service workers will be carrying with them now, as well as increase of security escort services," Hattie Adams, president of CSEA Unit 9200, said.

Related Articles

She was paralyzed by a stray bullet while pregnant. Two years later, police have no leads. Teen hospitalized after being burned in targeted attack on Southwest Miami-Dade home, family say Police: Babysitter arrested for fatal stabbing of 3-year-old girl Man pleads guilty to impersonating cop, kidnapping woman
Share This

Popular

Crime|Political|US

Police say they are investigating an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor's residence

Police say they are investigating an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor's residence
Americas|Crime|Election|Political

Ecuador's incumbent president and a leftist lawyer again vie for the top job in election runoff

Ecuador's incumbent president and a leftist lawyer again vie for the top job in election runoff
Americas|Crime|Election|Political

Ecuador votes for its next president amid deadly crime surge

Ecuador votes for its next president amid deadly crime surge
Crime|Europe|Political|World

Russian missiles hit Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations, killing more than 30

Russian missiles hit Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations, killing more than 30

Crime

Crime|Political|US

Arson at the Pennsylvania governorโ€™s residence forced Gov. Shapiro and his family to evacuate, police say

Arson at the Pennsylvania governorโ€™s residence forced Gov. Shapiro and his family to evacuate, police say
Crime|Political|US

Pennsylvania governor residence set on fire by arsonist, police say

Pennsylvania governor residence set on fire by arsonist, police say
Crime|Health|MidEast|Political|World

Aid worker missing after deadly attack on colleagues is held by Israel, ICRC says

Aid worker missing after deadly attack on colleagues is held by Israel, ICRC says
Crime|Political|US

A 17-year-old in Wisconsin allegedly killed his parents as part of a plot to assassinate Trump, FBI says

A 17-year-old in Wisconsin allegedly killed his parents as part of a plot to assassinate Trump, FBI says

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In