Questions raised after school aide charged in fatal stabbing had history of mental health issues

A man trusted to work around children, now accused of a violent attack that left a 28-year-old woman jogger fatally stabbed in her neck. You just don't expect that kind of thing to happen around here. And, you know, I'm shocked, very shocked by it. According to court documents, 28-year-old Saeed Mohassib told investigators he went to the bike path that day carrying a knife because he believed people were going to kill his family. He says he eventually sat down on a bench and became covered in blood, but he never admitted to stabbing Katie Suarez. Instead, he says he ran home, got rid of the knife, and threw away the bloody clothing. I know the area well. And being a father of two children, it was shocking and disturbing. But how did an ex-cop, an ex-Marine with a history of mental illness, get hired to work in a school in the first place? We know the suspect was employed at PS200 as a school aide, which according to the DOE's website, requires a background check and fingerprinting. It obviously wasn't thorough enough. Off-camera, I spoke with parents of students who attend PS200. They say so far there's been no communication about Mohassib's position as a school aide, but they expect some sort of letter to be sent out addressing their concerns. But New York City Department of Education released a statement saying Mohassib has since been suspended and could face termination pending the outcome of his case. I think we really need to look at people in the armed forces and what they went through. And even though their service is appreciated and, you know, they put their lives on the line, this really needs to be evaluated when they transfer into civilian life. Mohassib was arraigned on multiple charges, including murder, on Saturday. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Katie Suarez continues having an impact, even in her death. As an organ donor, we're told she saved the lives of four people. In Bath Beach, Morgan Scott, News 12.