Social worker killed Peekskill: Trial begins for Haseem Jenkins accused of killing Maria Coto in Westchester County
Opening statements are expected to begin Tuesday in the trial of the man accused of beating a social worker to death in Peekskill.
Prosecutors say 32-year-old Hasseem Jenkins killed 56-year-old Maria Coto after she knocked on the wrong apartment door while looking for a client.
The incident happened May 14 of last year while Coto was conducting home visits on South Street in Peekskill.
Prosecutors allege Jenkins repeatedly punched her in the face, chased her into a neighbor's apartment and repeatedly kicked her in the head while wearing heavy boots.
Coto later died from her injuries on June 19.
Jenkins was initially charged with attempted murder but pleaded not guilty after the charge was upgraded to murder.
He is also facing charges for robbery and resisting arrest after police say he was found with the victim's phone in his pocket.
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