Fisherman discovers lacking taxi driver’s physique floating in river as police launch large manhunt for killer who made off along with his cab
The body of a missing taxi driver has been found floating in a reservoir by a local fisherman, sparking a huge police manhunt for the suspected killer, who also allegedly stole his cab.
Aurélio Zhunio–Orbez, 66, was discovered on Sunday in upstate New York at the Croton Falls Reservoir – about 50 miles north of New York City.
He had initially been reported missing on December 1, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
His death is being investigated as a homicide.
A manhunt has been launched for Zhunio–Orbez’s suspected killer, who law enforcement said had also stolen his taxi.
‘Our detectives are working tirelessly to determine what happened, identify the perpetrator, and deliver justice for Mr. Zhunio–Orbez and his family,’ Sheriff Brian Hess and Undersheriff James Menton said in a statement.
No further information has been released about the suspected killer.
Aurélio Zhunio–Orbez, 66, was found dead Sunday at the Croton Falls Reservoir. He had initially been reported missing on December 1
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for Zhunio–Orbez’s car, which they said had allegedly been stolen by the person suspected of murdering him
A fisherman at the Croton Falls Reservoir found a body that was later identified as Zhunio–Orbez’s in the water, per the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
His death was subsequently ruled a homicide by the Putnam County Coroner.
Law enforcement said that a ‘comprehensive’ criminal investigation into Zhunio–Orbez’s murder was underway.
Police are still looking for Zhunio–Orbez’s car, which they said had allegedly been stolen by the same person who murdered him.
The car was described as a black Toyota Sienna livery cab with a white roof–mounted taxi sign and bearing the words ‘ORBESTAXI.COM’ on its rear, which also sported a ‘V89’ marking.
A New York registration was visible in the photo provided by investigators.
Zhunio–Orbez had last been seen on December 1 at 11.30am at the train station in Brewster, New York.
Zhunio–Orbez had last been seen on December 1 at 11.30am at the train station in Brewster, New York
His death is being investigated as a homicide. The 66–year–old was remembered as a loving father and as a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints
He was first reported missing to the Danbury Police Department in Connecticut, who said they would not be releasing more details and directed inquiries related to his death to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
The search effort for Zhunio–Orbez had encompassed both Connecticut and New York before his body was found.
Zhunio–Orbez disappeared after picking up a passenger from the local train station, his former boss Juan Quezada Orbe, of Orbe’s Taxi, told the Stamford Advocate.
‘Until two days later, we didn’t know if he left the train station,’ he told the outlet.
Orbe said Zhunio–Orbez had a wife and four children.
A GoFundMe started by Zhunio–Orbez’s family described him as a loving father with a particular appreciation for animals, including his dog Pecas.
Zhunio–Orbez was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints and a missionary.
Zhunio–Orbez was first reported missing to the Danbury Police Department in Connecticut. His death was confirmed by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
The fundraiser read: ‘We trust that justice will be done in memory of the man that Aurélio was, a man of great heart and character. We believe that the police will give us answers to such cruelty and that those responsible will be brought to justice.’
His family was seeking to raise $18,000 for funeral services, medical expenses for relatives’ mental health and legal fees. About $14,600 had been raised as of Wednesday night.
‘Since this was a murder, protection is needed for his family,’ the GoFundMe for Zhunio–Orbez noted.
Isabel Alvarado, his niece, noted in a separate GoFundMe that she was hopeful ‘justice will be served for this atrocious act.’
She wrote: ‘Sadly, there are individuals in this world who take advantage of those who are most vulnerable, and now our family is facing an irreparable loss.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office for further comment.
