Body Found In Reservoir In Carmel, NY ID’d As Missing Danbury Man

CARMEL, NY — Police have identified a body found in the Croton Falls Reservoir on Sunday as a missing Connecticut man, and the death has been ruled a homicide, according to police.

Sgt. Michael DiVeglio of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said the victim was officially identified by family members as Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, 66, of Danbury.

Police responded to the reservoir after a fisherman reported finding a body in the water, according to police.

Zhunio-Orbez’s family had reported him missing to police in Danbury on Dec. 1, prompting search efforts in both Connecticut and New York.

According to Danbury police, Zhunio-Orbez was last seen on Dec. 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Brewster, New York train station.

The Putnam County Coroner conducted a post-mortem examination and ruled the death a homicide, according to police.

Sheriff Brian Hess and Undersheriff James Menton issued the following joint statement:

“This is now an active homicide investigation. Our detectives and partner agencies are working tirelessly to determine what happened, identify the perpetrator, and deliver justice for Mr. Zhunio-Orbez and his family,” the statement said.

Police believe the victim’s vehicle was stolen by the perpetrator following the homicide.

The vehicle is described as a black Toyota Sienna livery cab. The letters, ORBESTAXI.COM is printed on the rear of the vehicle. It is marked with “V89” on the left rear. The vehicle is equipped with a white roof-mounted accessory displaying “TAXI” in black lettering. It has a New York registration, license plate number 16626 LY.

Investigators are asking anyone who saw the vehicle or suspicious activity involving it in the Brewster or Purdys areas on or around Dec. 1 to contact them immediately.

Police said even small details may help establish the timeline of events and assist in catching whoever is responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at 845-225-4300, ext. 42252.

Erin Henry, a spokesperson for the Danbury police department, said, “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and ask the community to keep them in their thoughts.”