CARMEL – A 66-year-old taxicab driver from Brewster who had been reported missing by his family in Danbury on December 1 was murdered.
The Putnam Sheriff’s Department was summoned to the Croton Falls Reservoir off Daisy Lane in the southern portions of Carmel Sunday by a fisherman who reported finding a body in the water.
The victim was the cabbie, Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy performed Monday afternoon revealed that Zhunio-Orbez had been murdered.
Police are now investigating the death as a homicide.
Putnam Sheriff Brian Hess said authorities were searching for the victim’s vehicle which was apparently stolen described as a black Toyota Sienna livery cab with the words “ORBESTAXI.COM” printed on the rear. The vehicle is also marked with “V89” on the left rear and is equipped with a white roof-mounted accessory displaying “TAXI” in black lettering. The vehicle also bears NY license plate 16626-LY.
“Evidence indicates that the vehicle was allegedly stolen by the perpetrator following the homicide,” said Undersheriff James Menton.
Sheriff Hess asked anyone who might have seen the cab or noticed unusual or suspicious activity involving it in the Brewster or Purdys areas on or around December 1 to contact investigators immediately at 845-225-4300.
“Even small details may help establish the timeline of events and assist in identifying the person responsible,” said Menton.
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