Westchester Caseworker Dies Weeks After Attack In A Peekskill Home

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A Westchester County caseworker who was savagely attacked while visiting a Peekskill home has died.

"We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing 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 on Wednesday. "It is enraging that someone whose life was devoted to helping others was viciously taken from her friends and family. While we are committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case, at this moment, we wish to only focus on remembering Maria for her warmth, courage and commitment to doing good and helping people. Today, we all mourn her loss and grieve alongside her friends and family.

Coto, a Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS) caseworker, was seriously hurt in the attack last month and a suspect was arrested for attempted murder.

She was hospitalized for her severe injuries since the attack, but ultimately died.

The news sent a chill through the ranks of Westchester County employees.

"CSEA is devastated by the passing of our member Maria Coto," Civil Service Employees Association Westchester County Unit 9200 President Hattie Adams said in a statement reacting to Coco's death. "We will in her memory continue to be committed to do everything possible in conjunction with the Westchester County Executive’s office to educate and to assure our membership is safe while working to service the community. Our condolences go out to her CSEA family, co-workers, friends and family during this difficult time."

The Peekskill Police Department said that on May 14, shortly after 3 p.m., officers responded to calls about an assault taking place in an apartment on South Street.

Once on the scene, police found a 56-year-old woman with severe injuries. EMS and Peekskill Fire Department personnel responded as well, and administered aid to 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 second degree attempted murder and first degree assault.

Earlier this month, in response to the assault on Coto, Westchester County announced additional safety measures for its staff. DSS now offers enhanced security escorts for staff during community and home visits. The county said that while DSS has long provided 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 they perform their duties on behalf of the County of Westchester," Latimer said earlier this month. "DSS staff perform essential work within the community, we respect them and we want to do all we can to keep them safe."

The department said steps are now in place to help prevent a similar tragedy in the future.

"Due to the urgent nature of this situation, DSS has determined that an immediate contract with a security services provider is necessary," DSS Commissioner Leonard Townes said. "Our employees perform the most 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.

SEE ALSO:

• Attempted Murder Charges In Attack That Seriously Hurt 56-Year-Old
• Westchester Puts New Safety Measures In Place For Social Services Staff After Assault