CROTON FALLS, NY — The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide after a body was discovered in the Croton Falls Reservoir on December 7.
A fisherman reported finding the body in the water, and deputies recovered the deceased male.
The victim was identified by family as Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, 66, of Danbury, Connecticut.
Zhunio-Orbez had been reported missing to the Danbury Police Department on December 1.
The Putnam County Coroner ruled the death a homicide following a post-mortem examination.
Detectives confirmed the victim’s black Toyota Sienna livery cab was stolen following the homicide.
The vehicle is marked with “ORBESTAXI.COM” on the rear, “V89” on the left rear, and has a white roof-mounted “TAXI” sign.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who saw the vehicle or noticed suspicious activity involving it in the Brewster or Purdys areas on or around December 1 to contact investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at (845) 225-4300, Ext. 42252.
