A jury Wednesday found Haseem Jenkins guilty in the May 2024 murder of Westchester County social worker Maria Coto.

Jenkins, 32, was found not guilty of intentional murder, but guilty of felony murder and manslaughter.

Social worker attacked after knocking on wrong door

Coto, 56, was attempting a home visit at an apartment building and mistakenly knocked on Jenkins' door. Jenkins, who prosecutors say was high on PCP, brutally stomped and punched Coto, who suffered severe head injuries and was placed on life support.

She lingered in a coma for five weeks before dying at a hospice.

Bodycam video and 911 calls from the incident were played during the trial.

The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, ultimately rejected the defense's argument that Jenkins was "involuntarily intoxicated" and unable to form the necessary intent to support a murder conviction.

The prosecution argued being on drugs did not excuse the brutal attack, and a 911 call revealed Jenkins cursing out the victim during the assault. As for a motive, the prosecution suggested Jenkins feared Coto had eviction papers to force him out of his Section 8 apartment.

Sentencing scheduled for December

Jenkins did not visibly react as the jury convicted him of murder and manslaughter.

He now faces 25 years to life when he is sentenced on Dec. 11.

Coto's aunt, Maria Gutierrez, expressed relief at the verdict.

"I am really happy that we almost come to a conclusion about this trial. It's been terrible for us having to go through all this," she said. "I think my niece is happy in heaven, you know, thanking everybody because this has been a long time."

Coto was a member of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), a union representing Westchester County employees.

"Nothing will ever make up for the tragic loss of Maria Coto, but we are grateful her loved ones and co-workers are finally seeing justice served," CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said in a statement, in part, adding, "CSEA will continue to fight to ensure that workers are safer, including lobbying state and local governments. Maria Coto should be enjoying retirement right now. The only way we can truly honor her memory is by ensuring this never happens again."