A Westchester County social worker who was viciously beaten inside a Peekskill apartment building last month during a home visit succumbed to her injuries Wednesday, officials said.
Maria Coto, 56, died more than a month after she was pummeled, allegedly by 31-year-old Hasseem Jenkins — leaving her with severe brain swelling and bleeding, authorities said.
Coto was checking on a client when the unprovoked attack unfolded.
Before Coto died, Jenkins was expected to face charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause physical injury, according to online records.
The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday it will pursue “all appropriate charges given the change in circumstances.”
“The WCDAO sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Maria Coto on the news of her passing,” said the district attorney’s office.
Coto knocked on the wrong door during the visit before the brutal assault, CBS 2 NY reported, citing neighbors.
Jenkins “repeatedly punch[ed] Coto with his fists and did repeatedly kick Ms. Coto with heavy boots … above the head and body causing Ms. Coto to sustain severe brain bleed, swelling of the brain, and multiple facial fractures,” according to an criminal affidavit obtained by The Post.
Following the attack, Westchester County Executive George Latimer approved an emergency contract that beefed up security escorts for social workers.
“We are deeply heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Maria Coto,” Latimer said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Maria was a dedicated employee of the Westchester County Department of Social Services, who was brutally attacked while selflessly performing her duties. 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,” Latimer went on to say.
“Today, we all mourn her loss and grieve alongside her friends and family.”
