{"id":434782,"date":"2025-12-09T04:18:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T04:18:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/434782\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T04:18:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T04:18:14","slug":"connecticut-mans-death-ruled-homicide-after-body-found-in-new-york-reservoir","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/434782\/","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut man’s death ruled homicide after body found in New York reservoir"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. \u2014 A missing\u00a0Connecticut<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The sheriff’s office said they responded to the Croton Falls Reservoir on Sunday after a fisherman reported discovering a body in the water.<\/p>\n

After investigators recovered the man’s body, his family members identified him as Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, a 66-year-old man missing from Danbury.<\/p>\n

Zhunio-Orbez’s family reported him missing to Danbury police on Dec. 1, which prompted search efforts in Connecticut and New York.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Based on evidence, investigators believe Zhunio-Orbez’s black Toyota Sienna livery cab was stolen after the murder.<\/p>\n

Police provided the following description of the car, along with a photo:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Black Toyota Sienna, livery cab<\/p>\n

\u2022 \u201cORBESTAXI.COM<\/strong><\/a>\u201d on rear<\/p>\n

\u2022 Marked \u201cV89\u201d on left rear<\/p>\n

\u2022 White roof-mounted \u201cTAXI\u201d sign<\/p>\n

\u2022 NY registration visible in the photo<\/p>\n


\n \"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n

Sean Humphrey is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at\u00a0shumphrey@fox61.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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