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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
Arrest in the Brooklyn Jogger Murder
An employee of the Department of Education has been arrested and charged in the fatal stabbing of a Brooklyn jogger, raising questions about hiring practices within city agencies. The NYPD announced the arrest of Sayed Mohassib, 27, in connection with the death of Katie Suarez, 28.
Details of the Stabbing Incident
Katie Suarez was fatally stabbed in the neck while jogging on a path along Shore Parkway near Bay 17th Street on October 30. According to Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, Suarez followed her usual after-work routine: after leaving a nearby bank at 6:35 p.m., she changed into athletic gear, met her mother to hand off her work clothes, and began her run. Her father, who planned to meet the family at a nearby Wendy’s following her jog, last spoke to Suarez at 7:56 p.m., when she said she was about half a mile away.
When Suarez did not arrive, her father searched for her and found her unconscious under a tree at 8:16 p.m., bleeding from the neck. Police reported the path was not covered by surveillance cameras. The area, frequented by runners, bikers, and fishermen, stretches from Bay Ridge to Bath Beach.
NYPD Charges and Criminal Charges Filed
NYPD officials stated that Sayed Mohassib was arrested and charged with murder, possession of a weapon, and tampering with evidence. Information on legal counsel for Mohassib was not immediately available. Authorities have indicated they believe the attack was random, though the relationship between Mohassib and the victim remains unclear.
Employment Background and Mental Health Concerns
Following his arrest, questions emerged regarding Mohassib's employment with the Department of Education. Mohassib has documented mental health issues, and lawmakers noted he was previously discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps for psychiatric issues. He briefly worked at the NYPD beginning in April 2022 before transferring to the Department of Education in 2024, where city payroll records list him as a "substitute school aide." The Department of Education stated that Mohassib was immediately suspended and would be dismissed if convicted. The specific school at which he worked was not disclosed, but additional support and resources are being provided to the affected school community.
Lawmakers Demand Investigation
Local elected officials, including State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, City Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso, and Assemblymember-elect Chris McCreight, released a joint statement calling for a full investigation into Mohassib’s hiring. While noting that he did not have a criminal record, the lawmakers said that his psychiatric history "raises serious questions about how he came to be employed in a local public school."
Ongoing Developments
The investigation into the murder and the circumstances surrounding Mohassib’s employment are ongoing. The city and state officials have pledged further updates as more information becomes available.
Source: gothamist.com.
