Brooklyn school aide charged with murder in fatal stabbing of jogger Katie Suarez

Key points

• Sayed Mohassib, 27, was arrested on Nov. 7 and charged with second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon.
• Katie Suarez, 28, was stabbed in the neck on Oct. 30 while jogging on the Shore Parkway Greenway in Brooklyn. She died three days later.
• Mohassib is a current teacher’s aide at Public School 200 in Brooklyn and a former NYPD officer who served in field training in 2022.
• According to the New York Post, Mohassib told police he woke up covered in blood with no memory of the attack and threw the knife in the garbage.
• The NYC Department of Education suspended Mohassib and stated it will terminate his employment pending the outcome of the conviction.
• Elected officials, including City Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso, called for a full investigation into his hiring, noting he was discharged from the Marines on psychiatric grounds.

Background

The stabbing of Katie Suarez sparked widespread public outrage and an intense NYPD search. Earlier coverage highlighted a brief investigation into a fisherman theory before a suspect was identified. Phil Vetrano, a father who lost his daughter to violence in 2016, urged Suarez’s family to pursue justice relentlessly. Suarez’s mother, Yasira Suarez, had publicly called on the suspect to turn himself in, describing her daughter as an 'angel.'

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and ABC News reported that police identified Mohassib through evidence placing him at the scene, though they did not specify the nature of the evidence. Fox News and the New York Post, cited by Fox, reported that Mohassib claimed he blacked out and woke up covered in blood. While CBS and ABC focused on his current role as a school aide, Fox News emphasized his background as an ex-NYPD officer and Marine. Elected officials highlighted his mental health history and military discharge, questioning his suitability for employment in a public school. All sources agreed that no motive was immediately revealed by investigators.

Why it matters

The case raises significant concerns about public safety and background check procedures for school employees. The victim’s death on a popular jogging path has intensified scrutiny of security in Brooklyn parks. The involvement of a former police officer and military veteran with a documented psychiatric history has prompted calls for a thorough review of hiring practices in the NYC Department of Education.

What to watch

Mohassib is expected to appear in court as the case proceeds. The NYC Department of Education will determine his termination status based on the trial outcome. Elected officials have requested a full investigation into his hiring and continued employment. Police are searching for the discarded weapon, though the case has moved to the prosecution phase.