Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, 66, (left) was found in the Croton Falls Reservoir. Authorities are now searching for his Black Toyota Sienna livery cab, which they say was stolen after he was killed.      

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

A body pulled from a reservoir in Putnam County, NY has been identified as a missing Connecticut resident, and authorities have since classified his death as a homicide. 

The discovery happened on Sunday, Dec. 7, when deputies responded to the Croton Falls Reservoir in Carmel after a fisherman reported finding a body in the water, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Monday, Dec. 8. 

Investigators recovered the deceased man, who was later identified by family members as Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, 66.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Zhunio-Orbez had been reported missing to the Danbury Police Department on Monday, Dec. 1, prompting search efforts across both Connecticut and New York as concerns grew for his safety. 

After Zhunio-Orbez's body was found, a post-mortem examination conducted by the Putnam County Coroner’s Office determined that he was the victim of a homicide, the Sheriff's Office said. No details regarding the cause of death have yet been released.

Investigators also confirmed that the victim’s vehicle—a black Toyota Sienna livery cab—was stolen following the killing. 

The vehicle is described as having ORBESTAXI.COM printed on the rear, and is also equipped with a white roof-mounted accessory that displays "TAXI" in black letters. 

It is also marked with V89 on the left rear and has a New York registration of 16626LY. 

Detectives said the vehicle may have been seen in the Brewster or Purdys areas on or around Dec. 1, and emphasized that even seemingly minor observations could help establish a timeline and identify the person responsible. 

Sheriff Brian Hess and Undersheriff James Menton said in a 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.

"We urge anyone who saw this vehicle or anything out of the ordinary to contact us right away," they continued. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at (845) 225-4300, Ext. 42252. The Sheriff's Office noted that details in the case may evolve as the investigation continues.

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.