Esco Guilty In Brutal Hate Crime Attack On 67-Year-Old Asian Woman In Yonkers

YONKERS, NY — The man behind a brutal and racist attack on the senior, who is of Filipino descent, accepted a plea bargain in a case that shamed a Westchester community and sent shockwaves across the nation.

Yonkers resident Tammel Esco entered a guilty plea on Tuesday, to committing a violent hate crime in March against a 67-year-old Asian woman who was entering her apartment building. The 42-year-old cursed at the victim, punched her more than 100 times in and around her head, repeatedly stomped on her upper body, and spit on her.

"Today’s agreement secures justice for the brave victim who endured the shocking attack and its aftermath, and for a community impacted by the trauma of this hate-driven violence," Rocah said. "I want to assure every community in Westchester County that my office will use every resource at our disposal to fight hate and hold perpetrators accountable. In addition to vigorously prosecuting these cases, we are continuing our work with our government partners and the community at large to offer training, education and outreach related to hate crimes and bias incidents."

Esco entered a guilty plea to felony assault in the first degree as a hate crime. According to his plea agreement, he will be sentenced on November 29, to 17 ½ years in prison, with five years of post-release supervision.

Esco was arrested by the Yonkers Police Department on March 11, and held without bail since.

SEE ALSO:

• Tammel Esco Arrested In Brutal Beating Of Asian Woman In Yonkers
• Hate Crime Victim Remains In Stable Condition After Attack
• Grand Jury Hands Down Hate Crime Indictment Against Tammel Esco

On March 11, at approximately 6:07 p.m., Esco yelled at the victim, who is of Filipino descent, that she was an "Asian bitch." He then approached the victim from behind as she entered the vestibule of her apartment building on Riverdale Avenue in Yonkers and punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground. Esco continued to punch the victim more than 100 times, repeatedly stomped on her upper body in his construction boots, and then spit on her.

The Yonkers Police Department arrested the defendant shortly after the incident, which was captured on video surveillance.

The victim was transported to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where she was treated for bleeding on the brain, multiple facial fractures, and bruising and lacerations to the head and face.

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is urging anyone who is a victim or witness to a hate crime or bias incident, to contact them at 914-995-TIPS (8477).