Tammel Esco Arrested In Brutal Beating Of Asian Woman In Yonkers

YONKERS, NY — A Yonkers resident was charged with a hate crime after violently attacking a 67-year-old Asian woman as she entered an apartment building, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced today.

Yonkers police today released security footage that appears to show a methodical and brutal attack. Warning: the video released by police today shows graphic violence and is highly disturbing to watch.

Tammel Esco was arrested on March 11 and was initially charged in Yonkers Criminal Court with attempted murder and felony assault. The Yonkers Police Department continued to investigate and, as a result, on March 14, the felony charges against the 42-year-old were upgraded to attempted murder as a hate crime and assault in the second degree as a hate crime.

On March 11, shortly after 6p.m., Esco approached the victim from behind and violently punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground, police said. Esco continued to punch the victim more than 100 times, stomped on her upper body approximately seven times and then spit on her, according to investigators.

Moments before the attack, Esco called the victim an "Asian bitch," according to authorities.

"This is one of the most appalling attacks I have ever seen; to beat a helpless woman is despicable and targeting her because of her race makes it more so," Commissioner John Mueller said. "This defendant must be held to the maximum punishment allowed by law to send a clear message that hateful, violent behavior will not be tolerated in our communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family, that she may make a full recovery."

The victim was transferred to the hospital, where she was treated for bleeding on the brain, multiple facial fractures and bruising and lacerations to the head and face.

"Our hearts are broken for the victim," Rocah said in a statement announcing the hate crime prosecution. "The District Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Yonkers Police Department to investigate and secure justice for her and to support her and her family through this difficult time. We also understand that many in the community may experience fear and trauma as a result of this incident. We will continue our work with our community and government partners throughout the County to provide support for the community, by offering training and outreach on hate and bias offenses in local schools, senior centers and other community organizations."

Esco is scheduled to appear again in Yonkers Criminal Court on March 25. He is currently being held without bail. The case is being prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office Bias & Hate Crimes Coordinator Catalina Blanco Buitrago.

"Hate crimes are beyond intolerable in our city," Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said on Monday. "I applaud our Yonkers Police for swiftly apprehending this violent criminal and removing him from our streets. I expect the suspect to be charged to the fullest extent of the law for his heinous actions. I continue to keep the victim and her family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Anyone who has been a victim of a hate crime or bias incident or has further information on this case, is being asked to call the District Attorney’s Office at (914) 995-TIPS.