A 67-year-old Asian woman was punched more than 125 times and repeatedly stomped on in what Yonkers police called a hate crime attack.
Esco was outside the building when police arrived and arrested him.
"Hate crimes are beyond intolerable in our city," said Mayor Mike Spano. " I applaud our Yonkers Police for swiftly apprehending this violent criminal and removing him from our streets. 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 is charged with one felony count of Attempted Murder 2’ as a hate crime and one count of Assault 2’ as a hate crime. "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," said Commissioner John J. Mueller. "This defendant must be held to the maximum punishment allowed by law to send a clear message that hateful, violent behavior will not be tolerated in our communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family, that she may make a full recovery.
Esco was arraigned in Yonkers Criminal Court on March 12 and is being held at the Westchester County Jail. His next court date is scheduled for March 25.