Detectives have arrested and charged 27-year-old Sayed Mohassib with second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Katie Suarez, a 28-year-old Brooklyn woman attacked while running along the Shore Parkway Greenway. Police took Mohassib into custody at his New York City home after gathering evidence that detectives state placed him at the scene of the Oct. 30 assault.
Investigators report that Mohassib made statements linking himself to the killing, telling detectives he did not remember the attack itself but recalled being covered in blood. Authorities allege that he discarded the knife used in the stabbing, which was subsequently traced to a Staten Island landfill. Police officials note that the only known connection between the suspect and Suarez is that both attended Brooklyn College.
The case drew intense public scrutiny after Suarez failed to arrive at a family gathering and stopped answering her phone. Her father went looking along her running route near the Belt Parkway and discovered her critically injured on the path. Emergency crews transported her to NYU Langone Health, where she was placed on life support before succumbing to her injuries.
Did You Know? Katie Suarez was training to compete in the TCS New York City Marathon at the time she was attacked along the waterfront path in Bath Beach.
Employment History and Background of the Suspect
Police records show that Mohassib briefly worked for the New York City Police Department in 2022 before resigning to enlist in the Marines. Following his discharge from the military, he attempted to rejoin the NYPD. Department officials referred him to Bellevue Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, and he was not rehired by the agency.
At the time of his arrest, Mohassib was employed as a teacher’s aide at P.S. 200 in Bensonhurst. The city’s Department of Education released a statement regarding his arrest and current status within the school system.
The safety of our students is our very top priority,
the Department of Education stated. We have suspended this individual and will move to terminate employment pending the outcome of the arrest. We are supporting the NYPD in their investigation however is needed.
Mohassib faces multiple felony charges
Mohassib faces charges including second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the NYPD’s Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information.
Timeline and evidence details of the greenway attack
When did the attack on Katie Suarez occur?
Suarez was attacked while jogging near the Belt Parkway on Oct. 30, after meeting with her mother near her job earlier that evening.
Where was the suspect arrested?
Police arrested Sayed Mohassib at his New York City home after detectives developed evidence placing him at the scene of the greenway attack.
What was the weapon used in the stabbing?
Authorities allege that Mohassib used a knife, which he discarded and investigators later traced to a Staten Island landfill.