A social worker in Westchester County, New York, is fighting for her life after a vicious assault during a home visit in Peekskill. Maria Coto, a dedicated caseworker, was attacked by a man wearing heavy boots after mistakenly knocking on his door.

Horrific Attack Unfolds

According to the criminal complaint, the incident began when Coto, 56, mistakenly knocked on the suspect’s door while looking for someone who lived on the third floor. The suspect, Haseem Jenkins, 31, launched a brutal attack on Coto, punching and kicking her mercilessly. A neighbor recounted the terrifying moments, saying, “She came in looking for somebody that lived on the third floor.” In a desperate attempt to escape, Coto ran into the neighbor’s apartment, but Jenkins followed her, repeatedly shouting, “I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill you, b****.” The neighbor tried to intervene, grabbing Jenkins by the neck to stop the assault, but Coto had already fallen flat on the floor, face down.

Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder

Jenkins has been charged with attempted murder and assault. He is currently being held without bail and has a history of legal issues, having skipped several court appearances related to an October 2023 disorderly conduct charge. The severity of this attack has shocked the community and highlighted the dangers social workers face in the line of duty.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer responded to the attack by approving an emergency contract to expand security escorts for social workers. In light of this tragic event, some caseworkers have begun conducting community and home visits in pairs to enhance their safety.

Union and County Actions

The union has expressed strong support for the county’s actions to protect Department of Social Services (DSS) staff, who are understandably rattled by the crime. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the daily risks faced by social workers, who often put themselves in harm’s way to provide vital services to the community.

The attack on Maria Coto underscores the need for enhanced security measures and support for social workers. It also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring that those who serve the community can do so safely. The county’s swift response and the union’s call for increased protections demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

The brutal assault on Maria Coto has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting urgent calls for better security and support for social workers. As Coto remains on life support, the focus is on ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again and that social workers can continue their essential work without fear of violence.