NYC Department of Education Employee Charged With Murder in Brooklyn Jogger’s Death

DOE Employee Arrested in Connection with Brooklyn Jogger's Killing

An employee of the New York City Department of Education was arrested and faces a murder charge after the fatal stabbing of a 28-year-old woman jogging in Brooklyn last week, authorities announced on Saturday.

Death of Katie Suarez Along Shore Parkway Greenway

Katie Suarez was stabbed while jogging on the evening of October 30 along the Shore Parkway greenway in Brooklyn. Her father discovered her injured on the path. Suarez was transported to the hospital with a stab wound to her neck but succumbed to her injuries.

Sayed Mohassib Charged With Second-Degree Murder

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrest of 27-year-old Sayed Mohassib, a resident of Bath Beach, Brooklyn. Mohassib was charged with second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon. He was seen wearing flip flops and a red jacket when police escorted him out of the 62nd Precinct on Saturday, but did not respond to media questions.

Ongoing Investigation and Background of the Suspect

The exact circumstances leading to Suarez's killing have not yet been made clear by authorities. It is also unclear how investigators connected Mohassib to the crime. NYPD sources report that Mohassib claimed to have "blacked out" and does not remember injuring anyone. He was taken in for questioning on Friday, though police have not disclosed further details on the investigation’s progress.

Both Mohassib and Suarez attended Brooklyn College at the same time, according to police sources. However, there is currently no indication that they knew each other. Sources confirm that Mohassib was employed at Public School 200 in Brooklyn as a teacher's aide and was present at the school during the week prior to his arrest. He also previously served in the NYPD in the Bronx as a field trainee from October to November 2022.

Concerns Raised Over Suspect's Employment

Mohassib’s employment with the Department of Education has elicited concern among city officials. City Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assemblymember-elect Chris McCreight issued a joint statement highlighting Mohassib’s background as an ex-NYPD officer and ex-Marine, noting he had been discharged from the military on psychiatric grounds and had no prior criminal record.

They questioned how Mohassib was hired as a teacher’s aide and called for a full investigation into the DOE’s hiring and employment procedures in this case. The Department of Education responded, stating: "The safety of our students is our very top priority. We have suspended this individual and will move to terminate employment pending the outcome of the conviction. We are supporting the NYPD in their investigation however is needed."

Community and Family Respond to Arrest

The NYPD’s arrest has brought some relief to the local community. Residents along the greenway expressed both surprise and a measure of comfort at the news. Anatoly Bogdanov, a pedestrian in the area, said, "Definitely a relief. Everybody was concerned that he is out there and he is dangerous." Yana Tomacheva added, "I feel it's a very safe area. I think it's a little bit of relief. I guess relief and hopefully, potentially, some closure for her family."

Reverend Erick Salgado commented: "We want to make sure that he's held accountable. We hope that justice is done. I know that nothing is going to give them back their daughter, but he will be praying that at least this will come to a closure."

Earlier in the week, Katie Suarez’s mother, Yasira Suarez, made a public plea for the suspect to come forward, stating "you took an angel."

Next Steps in Investigation

The investigation into the stabbing death of Katie Suarez remains ongoing, as authorities work to determine the motive and full circumstances behind the attack. Mohassib remains suspended from his position with the Department of Education, and officials continue to examine the process that led to his employment at Public School 200.

Source: cbsnews.com.