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Tammel Esco: NY man arrested for punching Asian American woman , 67, over 100 times

The woman suffered multiple contusions and lacerations to her head and face, and was found with facial bone fractures

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK: A man has been charged with second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime after he allegedly punched an Asian American woman, 67, over 100 times in New York. He also spit on the woman and stomped on her seven times. The brutal attack was caught on video. 

The woman was attacked last week by 42-year-old Tammel Esco, who used the word “Asian” when he cursed at her. He has also been charged with one count of second-degree assault as a hate crime for the attack, which lasted more than 90 seconds as captured by surveillance cameras.

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“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," Police Commissioner John J. Mueller said in a statement.

The woman suffered multiple contusions and lacerations to her head and face. She was found with facial bone fractures and suffered from bleeding on the brain. Police confirmed that she is stable and recovering in a hospital. “Hate crimes are beyond intolerable in our city," Mayor Mike Spano said in a statement. "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."

Esco was arraigned in Yonkers City Court and is being held without bail at the Westchester County jail. His criminal record includes previous felony convictions. After the attack, police responded to an apartment building for several reports of a dispute, and subsequently found the injured woman. Esco, who was found outside the building, was taken into custody without incident.

Esco was initially charged with second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault. Later, he was charged via superseding felony complaint with those charges as hate crimes, Westchester County District Attorney's office said. Esco had earlier spent more than two years in prison from 2011 to 2013 after pleading guilty to second-degree assault, a felony, for stabbing his daughter's mother in their Yonkers apartment in 2010. He had also been sentenced to a year in custody after pleading guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The Yonkers woman was returning home when she saw the suspect in front of the building. He allegedly cursed at her when she walked past him. She ignored him and entered the vestibule, while Esco followed and attacked her. “Our hearts are broken for the victim," Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah said. “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.”