Former NYPD Officer Charged in Brooklyn Jogger’s Murder

An ex-NYPD officer has been accused of fatally stabbing a jogger in Brooklyn. The suspect, Sayed Mohassib, claimed he was at the location with a knife because he feared for his family’s safety, as per a criminal complaint.

The 27-year-old former officer and city public school aide was apprehended following the October 30 murder of Katie Suarez, 28. She was attacked while jogging along the Belt Parkway and died after being stabbed twice in the neck. Surveillance footage assisted in tracking Mohassib as it showed him approaching and fleeing the crime scene at the time of the murder.

Law enforcement officials confirmed Mohassib’s identification using facial-recognition technology along with his existing records in multiple government systems, including his fingerprints and photos from his brief career in the NYPD and longer tenure with the city’s Department of Education.

After his arrest, Mohassib allegedly told detectives he went to the park to protect his family from harm. According to court documents, Mohassib later went to the Verrazzano Bridge and returned to the park, where he claimed he ended up covered in blood; however, he denied stabbing anyone.

The complaint details that Mohassib rushed back to his home, emerged shortly in his underwear, and discarded items into a garbage chute. He admitted to disposing of bloody clothing and the knife, and efforts are underway to locate the weapon using sanitation resources.

In his apartment, blood was discovered on the walls, which Mohassib unsuccessfully tried to clean. He also identified himself in video surveillance footage.

Mohassib had joined the NYPD for six weeks before attempting to enlist in the US Marine Corps. However, he was rejected over concerns about his mental state. He tried to return to the NYPD but was declined due to his disheveled appearance and concerning behavior.

Mohassib worked as a paraprofessional in the city school system at the time of Suarez’s murder. The city Board of Education hasn’t commented on the issue. A woman at his home also declined to comment, citing her emotional distress.

Mohassib was arraigned and is being held without bail as the investigation continues.