Peekskill Man Indicted Over Fatal China Pier Brawl

PEEKSKILL, NY — Matthew Torres of Peekskill has been indicted for manslaughter and assault in connection with a fight at the China Pier that ended in one death.

SEE: Three Wounded, One Fatally, In Peekskill Fight

"During the course of a violent fight, the defendant intentionally stabbed two young men, killing one and seriously injuring the other," Westchester District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah said in a statement. "These charges are the first step in holding him accountable. My condolences go out to the victims’ families, who lost their son and family member due to this senseless violence."

Torres is in jail pending trial.

Prosecutors alleged a dispute started on social media that led to a plan for a brawl on Nov. 28. Torres and others met at the China Pier in Peekskill and began fighting. During the course of the fight, Torres stabbed Joaquin Salazar several times and also stabbed Alexis Leon once.

Police were called to New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital at 9:30 p.m. after friends had driven Salazar and Leon to the emergency room. Due to the severity of their injuries, both were transported to Westchester Medical Center, where Salazar died as a result of his injuries.

The Peekskill Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Craig Ascher.

Torres is 17. Due to the nature of the charges and in accordance with state law, the case is being handled by the Youth Part of County Court, rather than Family Court, the DA's office said.