The man’s family reported him missing to Danbury police on Dec. 1, prompting search efforts in Connecticut and New York. Investigators believe his car was stolen.
PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. — A missing Connecticut man’s death has been ruled a homicide after his body was found in a New York reservoir Sunday, according to the Putnam County, N.Y. Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said they responded to the Croton Falls Reservoir on Sunday after a fisherman reported discovering a body in the water.
After investigators recovered the man’s body, his family members identified him as Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, a 66-year-old man missing from Danbury.
Zhunio-Orbez’s family reported him missing to Danbury police on Dec. 1, which prompted search efforts in Connecticut and New York.
The Office of the Putnam County Coroner ruled Zhunio-Orbez’s death a homicide, with a “comprehensive criminal investigation” underway, the sheriff’s office said.
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Based on evidence, investigators believe Zhunio-Orbez’s black Toyota Sienna livery cab was stolen after the murder.
Police provided the following description of the car, along with a photo:
• Black Toyota Sienna, livery cab
• “ORBESTAXI.COM” on rear
• Marked “V89” on left rear
• White roof-mounted “TAXI” sign
• NY registration visible in the photo
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who saw the Toyota, including in the Brewster or Purdys areas on or around Dec. 1 to contact them. Anyone with information can call the sheriff’s office at 845-225-4300, ext. 42252.
“This is now an active homicide investigation. Our detectives are working tirelessly to determine what happened, identify the perpetrator, and deliver justice for Mr. Zhunio-Orbez and his family. If you saw this vehicle or anything unusual, please contact us right away,” Sheriff Brian Hess and Undersheriff James Menton said in a statement.
Sean Humphrey is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at shumphrey@fox61.com.
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