D.A. Cacace Statement on 23-Years-to-Life Sentence for Maria Coto's Killer

January 8, 2026

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace provided the following statement on the sentencing of Hasseem Jenkins, who savagely beat Westchester County Department of Social Services worker Maria Coto to death in 2024. Judge George Fufidio sentenced Jenkins to 23 years to life in state prison this morning for the top count of Murder in the Second Degree.

“Justice was served today. Maria Coto was a beacon of light in Westchester County. She devoted her life to helping others in desperate circumstances, which included numerous trips into the field to meet clients where they lived. For that, she paid dearly.

“Her savage murder is a reminder of the risks our county employees face daily when they go into the community. And it must serve as a wake-up call to all of us in county government.

“We must use this moment to redouble our commitment to protecting the public servants of Westchester County. I am calling on our State Legislature to adopt new measures that would enhance penalties for those who assault social services employees, and provide funds for critical safety equipment for our frontline workers.

“The safety of our public servants is non-negotiable. Maria Coto’s death will not be in vain. Her boundless spirit will live on through her family, friends, DSS colleagues and all others who had the pleasure of knowing her. May she forever rest in peace."

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