A former New York Police Department officer, Sayed Mohassib, 27, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Katie Suarez, 28. Suarez was fatally stabbed in the neck on October 30 near Bay 17th Street and Shore Parkway in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, while training for the New York City Marathon. Police apprehended Mohassib after reviewing video footage that allegedly showed him leaving the park at the time of the attack.
According to reports from the NYPost, Mohassib told officers he had no memory of the assault but awoke covered in blood with the murder weapon in his possession. Investigators believe Mohassib, who served in the Marines after his time with the NYPD, disposed of the weapon in the garbage following the incident.
Suarez, a bank teller, was discovered critically injured by her father on a grassy area near the path. She was transported to NYU Langone Hospital, where she was later declared brain dead due to her severe injuries. Neighbors described Suarez as a kind, professional, and family-oriented individual.
The attack occurred along a popular waterfront promenade in Bath Beach, a residential area of southern Brooklyn used by locals for recreation. Suarez had been a student at Brooklyn College, as was Mohassib, though police have not confirmed if they knew each other or had any prior relationship.
After leaving the Marines, Mohassib reportedly attempted to rejoin the police force but was unsuccessful. He subsequently took a position as a teacher's aide at PS 200 in Bensonhurst, part of the Department of Education.