Peekskill man indicted for fatally stabbing, injuring another man

The Westchester District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah has announced an indictment leveled against Matthew Torres of Peekskill.

According to the attorney, Torres was charged for manslaughter and assault in connection with his role in the violent stabbings of two 18-year-old men, one of whom died from his injuries.

DA Rocah said, “During the course of a violent fight, the defendant intentionally stabbed two young men, killing one and seriously injuring the other.

“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 was taken into custody following the incident and is being detained pending trial. The case is assigned to the Honorable Helen M. Blackwood, A.J.S.C.

A dispute that started on social media and involved multiple individuals led to a plan for an in-person fight on November 28, 2020.

Torres and others met at the China Pier in Peekskill and began fighting. During the course of the fight, Torres stabbed Joaquin Salazar multiple times and also stabbed Alexis Leon once. Torres then fled the scene. 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.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.