Suspect Charged in Brooklyn Jogger’s Murder

A suspect faces murder charges in the death of a 28-year-old woman following her stabbing in Brooklyn, authorities announced. The incident occurred on the evening of October 30 when Katie Suarez was attacked while jogging along the Shore Parkway greenway. Discovered by her father, Suarez was taken to the hospital with a serious neck wound but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

On Saturday, the New York Police Department (NYPD) reported the arrest of Sayed Mohassib, a 27-year-old Brooklyn resident. Mohassib faces charges including second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon. When escorted from the 62nd Precinct, Mohassib, dressed in flip flops and a red jacket, declined to answer questions from reporters.

The circumstances surrounding Suarez’s murder remain unclear. Investigators have not disclosed the evidence leading to Mohassib’s arrest. Mohassib worked for the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and had a brief tenure with the NYPD in field training in the Bronx from October to November 2022.

In response to the arrest, the DOE issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to student safety and revealed Mohassib’s suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. They are cooperating with the NYPD as needed.

The revelation of Mohassib’s association with the DOE has sparked concern among elected officials. City Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Assemblymember-elect Chris McCreight released a joint statement highlighting Mohassib’s past as a former NYPD officer and ex-Marine discharged on psychiatric grounds. They called for a thorough investigation into his hiring and employment within a local public school.

Suarez’s death has shocked New York City and triggered an extensive NYPD manhunt. Earlier, Yasira Suarez, Katie’s mother, publicly urged the assailant to surrender, expressing deep grief over the loss of her daughter.