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Pawling man faces murder charge in death of man found in Putnam County reservoir

The sheriff's office says a comprehensive review of surveillance video and forensic evidence led to the arrest.

Roberto Torres

Dec 13, 2025, 9:19 PM

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A Pawling man was arrested Friday night and charged in the death of a Connecticut man who authorities say was found dead in a Putnam County reservoir.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office says 28-year-old Santos Vasquez Ramirez was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, who was found in the Croton Falls Reservoir on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The sheriff's office says a comprehensive review of surveillance video and forensic evidence led to the arrest.

Authorities arrested Vasquez Ramirez outside his Town of Pawling home at 6:50 p.m. They say he confessed to the crime during questioning with investigators. The sheriff's office says it stemmed over a taxi fare dispute.

Vasquez Ramirez was to be arraigned Saturday in the Town of Southeast Court.

Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, of Danbury, Connecticut, was reported missing by his family on Dec. 1. Police released a surveillance image on Monday, Dec. 8 of a black Toyota Sienna that belonged to the 66-year-old. Authorities say it was stolen after he was killed.

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