Sayed Mohassib, the 27-year-old former New York Police Department officer charged with murdering Brooklyn jogger Katie Suarez, was previously expelled from the US Marine Corps after being deemed psychologically unfit for service.
Mohassib is accused of fatally stabbing Suarez, 28, on October 30 near Bay 17th Street and Shore Parkway in Bath Beach, Brooklyn.
Following his departure from the Marines, he attempted to rejoin the NYPD but was unsuccessful.
He subsequently secured employment with the New York City Department of Education as a teacher‘s aide at PS 200 in Bensonhurst.
The Department of Education has confirmed that Mohassib has been suspended and that it intends to terminate his employment, pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Police Investigated Possible Connection Between Suspect and Victim
Investigators initially examined whether Mohassib and Suarez had any connection through Brooklyn College, which both had attended.
However, the NYPD told the Daily Mail that there was no indication the two knew each other or had any relationship.
Police identified Mohassib as a suspect after reviewing surveillance footage that allegedly showed him leaving the Shore Parkway Greenway shortly after the stabbing.
According to reports, Mohassib later told officers at the 62nd Precinct that he could not remember the attack.
He reportedly claimed he woke up covered in blood with the alleged murder weapon still on him.
Prosecutors Detail Evidence Found in Suspect’s Apartment
Mohassib was arrested and later escorted out of the Bensonhurst police station in handcuffs at approximately 4pm. He reportedly appeared expressionless as officers led him away.
During his arraignment, prosecutors disclosed that blood belonging to Suarez had been discovered on the walls of his Bensonhurst apartment.
Assistant District Attorney Jordan Rossman told the court that Mohassib had attempted to clean up the blood.
“The defendant stated that he had tried to clean the blood,” Rossman said.
Mohassib has been arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a weapon.
He was ordered held in custody and is scheduled to return to court on November 10.
Jogger’s Organ Donation Saves Five Lives
Suarez, who worked as a bank teller, was training for the New York City Marathon when she was attacked along the Brooklyn waterfront.
She suffered a stab wound to the neck and was discovered critically injured in a nearby grassy area by her father, who had gone out searching for her.
She was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital, where doctors treated her life-threatening injuries.
However, she was subsequently declared brain dead and remained on life support while arrangements were made for organ donation.
According to the New York Post, Suarez donated her pancreas, liver, kidneys and heart, helping save five lives.
Her mother, Yasira Suarez, confirmed her daughter’s death several days after the attack.
Speaking about the loss, she described the devastation experienced by the family.
“Destroyed. We’re all destroyed,” she said, adding, “You took an angel.”
Family and Neighbours Mourn 28-Year-Old Victim
Suarez’s death has left her relatives, friends and members of the surrounding community grieving.
Anna Dece, a local resident, expressed shock over the incident, describing the violence as particularly distressing because it happened close to home.
“I’m very sad. That’s terrible. I’m sad for everybody,” she said.
“But this is close. It’s too much right now. It’s a mad world.”
The stabbing occurred along a waterfront promenade in Bath Beach, a residential neighbourhood in southern Brooklyn.
The area around Shore Parkway, which overlooks Gravesend Bay, is regularly used by residents for walking, cycling, fishing and outdoor exercise.
Suarez had been using the popular waterfront route as part of her preparations for the New York City Marathon, which was scheduled for Sunday.
