Suspect Arrested in Putnam County Homicide Investigation

Body Found in Putnam County

A local taxi driver in the Danbury, Connecticut area was reported missing back on December 6th, 2025.

Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez was last seen around the area of the Brewster, New York train station around 11:30 am on that same day.

READ MORE: Body Identified in Putnam; Investigation Now Focused on Homicide

Later the next day, a body was found in nearby Putnam County that would give answers to the Danbury Police Department missing persons case.

Missing Persons Case Turns into a Homicide Investigation in Putnam County

The body found was found near Croton Falls Reservoir in Putnam County on December 7th, 2025. It was later confirmed to be the body of 66-year-old Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez.

In a press release shared to social media back on December 8th, 2025, Sheriff Brian Hess and Under Sheriff James Menton said:

“This is now an active homicide investigation. Our detectives are working tirelessly to determine what happened, identify the perpetrator, and deliver justice for Mr. Zhunio-Orbez and his family.

Arrest Made in Putnam County Homicide Case

Days later on December 12th, 2025, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced that there had been an arrest in the case.

28-year-old Santos Vasquez Ramirez, from Pawling, was arrested "in connection with a homicide investigation" that involved the death of Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office explains how the investigation lead to Ramirez, writing:

The investigation involved a comprehensive review of video surveillance, forensic evidence, and information developed through coordinated efforts with partner agencies. Investigators canvassed numerous surveillance systems and analyzed evidence that ultimately led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

Adding "Forensic evidence, including blood and DNA, was recovered and submitted for analysis, with testing ongoing."

During questioning with law enforcement after his arrested "Vasquez Ramirez provided a confession to the crimes."

He was charged with the following: Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony. Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B felony