New York Man Who Punched Elderly Asian Woman 125 Times Pleads Guilty To Hate Crime

A New York man who reportedly brutally punched an elderly Asian woman about 125 times pleaded guilty to a hate crime on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Tammel Esco, 42, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault as a hate crime, a violent felony, seven months after he brutally attacked, punched, and stomped a 67-year-old Asian woman at her apartment building on Riverdale Avenue in Yonkers, New York.

On March 11, 42-year-old Esco called the 67-year-old victim, a woman of Filipino descent, an “Asian b----" as she was about to enter her apartment building on Riverdale Avenue in Yonkers. However, when she ignored him and kept walking, Esco followed her into her building and attacked her from behind as she tried to unlock the door to the lobby, NBC News reported.

Esco then knocked her to the ground and punched her more than 100 times in and around her head, repeatedly stomped on her body, and also spat on her. According to surveillance footage of the incident, the victim was punched 125 times. Following the brutal attack, the victim was transported to Westchester Medical Center and was treated for bleeding in her brain, multiple facial fractures, and bruising and lacerations to her head and face.

Police Commissioner John J. Mueller called the attack “one of the most appalling attacks I have ever seen.”

Esco, who has a criminal record and has previously served time for assault, was arrested the same day of the attack and has been held without bail since, the Independent reported.

Seven months after the brutal attack, on Tuesday, Sept. 27, Esco pleaded guilty to first-degree assault as a hate crime, a violent felony. According to a statement released by the Westchester County district attorney’s office, he will be sentenced on Nov. 29 to 17½ years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision.

“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," District Attorney Miriam 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," she added.