- "I can't, man. If I go against the cops, it's gonna be real bad for me."
- ―Nicky Torres to Matt Murdock[src]
Nicky Torres is a confidential informant who used to work with the New York City Police Department. He soon got in a conflict with Connor Powell and Kel Shanahan, but he was rescued by Hector Ayala. He was later recruited by Matt Murdock to be a witness during Ayala's trial. However, he lied on the stand, betraying his savior and Murdock.
Biography[]
Becoming a Confidential Informant[]
Caught with Drugs[]
- "Eighteen months ago, I got pinched for dealing."
- ―Nicky Torres to Matt Murdock[src]
Nicky Torres had a child that he struggled to raise. In the summer of 2025, Torres was arrested for drug use, but his case was dismissed when he agreed to be a confidential informant for Officers Kel Shanahan and Connor Powell. Torres was also unable to find employment.[2]
Meeting Gone Wrong[]
Torres is roughed up by the police officers
- "What are you doing, Nicky? You trying to dodge us?"
"I wasn't dodging you, man. I've just been, y'know, busy." - ―Connor Powell and Nicky Torres[src]
On New Years' Eve of 2026, Torres met with Connor Powell and Kel Shanahan in the 168th Street Station. The officers accused Torres of avoiding them and began roughing him up, but Hector Ayala came down the steps and told them to stop, not knowing they were police officers. Powell told Ayala that they were not his concern, but Ayala objected.
Torres escapes the 168th Street Station
Nicky witnessed as a fight broke out pitting Ayala against Powell and Shanahan. While Ayala wrested with Powell, Shanahan grabbed Torres, who was attempting to flee. However, Shanahan soon let him go to assist Powell. Seeing an opportunity to escape, Torres hurriedly ran up the stairs and out of the station, returning to his apartment.[1]
Key Witness[]
Saved by Matt Murdock[]
Torres is warned of his current situation
- "Nicky, you have about twenty seconds before they bust in."
"Look, man, I don't even know who you are."
"Ten seconds. They're coming." - ―Matt Murdock and Nicky Torres[src]
A few days later, Torres heard a knock at his door. When he went to investigate, he saw a man through the peephole who identified himself as Matt Murdock. Although initially hesistant, Torres opened his door for Murdock, who informed him that he was the key witness in the defense of Hector Ayala. Torres shared that it would be bad if he went against the police.
Torres is informed that he must escape
Murdock revealed the police had already located him and were on his way to kill him to prevent him from testifying. Murdock pulled Torres away from the door, and Torres resisted him. However, when Torres heard pounding at his door, he stopped. Murdock told Torres to go out the fire escape and head to Fort Tryon Park. There, Torres was picked up and brought to a safe house by Cherry.[1]
Hiding Out[]
Torres happily accepts drugs from Cherry
Torres stayed in the safe house and was often brought drugs. While in hiding, he was prepped for Hector Ayala's trial. He also informed Forrest Tam, who was looking after him, that loud music relaxed him. The morning of the day Torres was supposed to testify at Hector Ayala's trial, Cherry visited the safe house and gave Torres a small bag of drugs to keep him from panicking on the stand, much to Torres' gratitude.
Torres prepares to head to the courthouse
Torres soon got dressed in a suit and exited the building to be taken to the New York State Supreme Court Building. When he noticed Cherry's gun, he reminded him of his promise to keep him safe, to which Cherry said to stay out of sight. Torres entered the van, but as they made their way to the courthouse, they noticed they were being chased by a motorcade of NYPD officers. Cherry had Torres and Tam exit the van and catch a taxi to the courthouse.[2]
Testifying in Court[]
Torres is directly examined by Matt Murdock
- "Mr. Torres, is that what you were doing on the night of New Years' Eve? Were you passing along information to Officers Shanahan and Connor Powell? Remembering you're under oath."
"No, I was home all night." - ―Matt Murdock and Nicky Torres[src]
When Torres and Forrest Tam arrived at the courthouse, they quickly entered the building, where Tam sat down in the audience and Torres was escorted to the witness stand. Matt Murdock, one of Hector Ayala's lawyers, began the direct examination of Torres, asking him if he lived near the 168th Street Station, to which Torres replied that he did.
Torres lies about the night of his rescue
When Murdock asked him where he worked, Torres admitted he was unemployed. Prompted by Murdock, Torres recounted how he was arrested for dealing drugs and how he became a confidential informant. However, when asked if he was in the 168th Street Station on New Years' Eve to meet with Connor Powell and Kel Shanahan, Torres briefly hesitated before lying and saying he had spent the night at home.
Torres listens as Matt Murdock berates him
Murdock became angry and began speaking harshly to Torres, causing Judge Jerry Cooper to have to order Murdock to return to his seat. Cooper asked Murdock if there were any further questions, but Murdock simply told him that he was withdrawing Torres. Cooper then told Torres that he was dismissed, and Torres left the courthouse.[2]
Facilities[]
- "He's at 950 West 185th Street, apartment 30."
- ―Williams to Connor Powell[src]
- Apartment: Torres hid from the NYPD in an apartment in New York City. Matt Murdock came to him and told him to leave as police officers were coming to kill him. Torres then left through the fire escape.
- New York State Supreme Court Building: Torres testified in the New York State Supreme Court Building during Hector Ayala's trial. He ended up lying on the stand, claiming that he had stayed home the night he had been rescued by Ayala.
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[] |
Enemies[]
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