New York man who punched Asian woman 125 times sentenced to 17.5 years in prison

A man from New York who was caught on video punching an elderly Asian woman 125 times this year has been sentenced to over 17 years in prison in connection with the hate crime attack, officials confirmed on Thursday.

Tammel Esco, 42, was sentenced to 17.5 years in state prison, which will be followed by five years of post-release supervision.  District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah confirmed the sentence at a news conference.

During the assault, Esco called the woman, who is of Filipino descent, an “Asian b—-,” and she was left with internal bleeding and several facial fractures.

According to an investigation, the victim walked past Esco as she was making her way home and shouted a racial slur at her. The assault took place as the victim was attempting to enter the residential building on Riverdale Avenue in which they both lived.

As reported by UPI, Esco approached the victim from behind as she entered the vestibule and punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground.

Police later determined that she had been punched in the head and face more than 125 times, foot-stomped seven times and spit on. Esco pleaded guilty to first-degree assault as a hate crime in September.

Jennifer Wu, who is one of the attorneys who supported the victim and her family, said the victim didn’t want to disclose her medical status and requested privacy as she recovers.

“We appreciate the love and support of the community and the many people who were outraged by this hateful attack. Hate has no place in this society,” Wu said.