Arrest made after body of missing taxi driver found in Croton Falls reservoir in Putnam County
PUTNAM COUNTY, New York (WABC) — Detectives have made some progress in a murder mystery after the body of a missing taxi driver was found in Putnam County.
An arrest has been made after Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez was discovered by a fisherman in the Croton Falls Reservoir last weekend.
A smiling Santos Vazquez-Ramirez walked out of the Putnam County Sherrif’s Office with little to say, but according to authorities, he did not hold back, detailing the murder of the 56-yearpold taxi driver.
“He admitted to killing Mr. Orbez over a dispute over a taxi fare. He further stated that after the killing, he dragged him into the woods, into the reservoir off the Magnetic Mud road,” said Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess.
Police arrested and charged the 27-year-old suspect with murder and robbery after tracking him with video surveillance to his home in Pawling on Friday night.
A fisherman discovered Orbez’s body in the Croton Falls Reservoir last Sunday.
The victim’s manager reported him missing December 1 after he did not return to the taxi base. The Brewster train station was among his final stops.
The suspect allegedly claimed he recognized Orbez and that a prior taxi ride was the reason for the fare dispute.
Police discovered Orbez’s missing taxi at Purdys Train Station in Westchester a few days later.
The announcement of the arrest comes as loved ones buried Orbez on Saturday.
Originally from Ecuador, those who knew him say Orbez was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Authorities say Vazquez Ramirez has a criminal past. His defense attorneys offered little after his arraignment.
“We did accept representation, and that is all we can say,” said Elizabeth Costello of Putnam County Legal Aid.
The suspect is due back in court on December 18. For now, he is behind bars at the Putnam County Correctional Facility.
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