A homicide investigation is underway after the body of a missing taxicab driver was pulled from a Hudson Valley reservoir on Sunday.
Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, 66, was reported missing on Dec. 1, according to Danbury, Conn. police. He was last seen at the Metro-North Railroad’s Brewster station in New York around 11:30 a.m. that day. His disappearance prompted a search in both Connecticut and New York.
His body was discovered on Dec. 7 by a fisherman in the Croton Falls Reservoir in Carmel, N.Y., some time before 6 p.m.
The Putnam County coroner has since ruled Zhunio-Orbez’s death a homicide. No other details about the body’s condition were released.
Police said “evidence indicates” his black Toyota Sienna with New York plates (16626-LY) was stolen after the murder and remains missing. The minivan also has a white “TAXI” sign on the roof and “ORBESTAXI.COM” and “V89” decals on the rear.
“Our detectives are working tirelessly to determine what happened, identify the perpetrator and deliver justice for Mr. Zhunio-Orbez and his family,” Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess and Undersheriff James Menton said in a statement on Facebook.
Anyone who saw the Toyota or noticed unusual or suspicious activity in the Brewster or Purdys areas on or around Dec. 1 is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s department.
