Taxi driver discovered dead in Hudson Valley reservoir; homicide investigation initiated.
A homicide investigation has been launched following the discovery of the body of a missing taxicab driver in a reservoir in the Hudson Valley. Authorities have identified the deceased as 66-year-old Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, who was reported missing on December 1 by police in Danbury, Connecticut. Zhunio-Orbez was last seen at the Metro-North Railroad’s Brewster station in New York around 11:30 a.m. on that same day, prompting an extensive search across Connecticut and New York for several days.
The grim discovery of Zhunio-Orbez’s body occurred on December 7, when a fisherman found him in the Croton Falls Reservoir in Carmel, New York, shortly before 6 p.m. Subsequent examinations by the Putnam County coroner have confirmed that Zhunio-Orbez’s death has been classified as a homicide, though specific information regarding the condition of the body has not been released to the public.
In a development that suggests foul play, authorities indicated that evidence points to the theft of Zhunio-Orbez’s black Toyota Sienna minivan, which bears New York license plates (16626-LY). This vehicle, characterized by a white “TAXI” sign on the roof and decals reading “ORBESTAXI.COM” and “V89” on the rear, remains missing. Law enforcement has urged anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this vehicle or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the Brewster or Purdys areas around the time of his disappearance to come forward.
Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess and Undersheriff James Menton have made a public commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Zhunio-Orbez’s death, stating that their detectives are diligently working to uncover the truth and seek justice for him and his family.
As the investigation continues, community members are encouraged to assist authorities by providing any relevant information that could aid in resolving this tragic case. The disappearance and subsequent homicide of a member of the local community have raised concerns about safety and the need for vigilance in the area, as residents grapple with the shocking nature of the incident.
