Teen Accused Of Fatal Stabbing Is Arraigned

PEEKSKILL, NY — A 17-year-old whose name police are not releasing was arraigned Monday evening on murder and assault charges in connection with a fatal stabbing over the weekend.

A fight started in the parking lot at China Pier at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, police said. Three people were injured in the melee. They were taken by friends to New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. Because they were all so severely injured, they were transferred to Westchester Medical Center.

Joaquin Salazar, 18, died at WMC. The second 18-year-old was admitted in serious condition.

The 17-year-old was placed in police custody while hospitalized. After his release Monday he was arraigned and sent to Woodfield Cottage, a juvenile detention center. He faces charges of second degree murder and first degree assault.

The Peekskill Police Department continues working on the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Detective Division at 914-737-8000 or email jgalusha@peekskillpolice.com.

Anonymous tips may also be made at www.cityofpeekskill.com under the crime tips section.

Salazar was a star soccer player at Peekskill High School, from which he had just graduated.

His sister, Silvia Santucci, started a campaign on Facebook to raise money for his family.