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The death of Aurelio Zhunio-Smith, a 66-year-old Connecticut man, has been ruled a homicide by the Putnam County Coroner's Office. Zhunio-Smith was reported missing by his family in Danbury on December 1. His body was discovered in the Croton Falls Reservoir in Carmel on Sunday (December 7), after a fisherman reported finding it.
Authorities have confirmed that Zhunio-Smith's vehicle, a black Toyota Sienna livery cab, was stolen from the scene. The vehicle, marked with "ORBESTAXI" and a white taxi sign, may have been seen in the Brewster or Purdys areas around December 1. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information about the vehicle or any suspicious activity to contact them.
The investigation into Zhunio-Smith's death is ongoing, with detectives working to piece together the events leading to his death. Sheriff Brian Hess emphasized the importance of public assistance in solving the case, urging anyone with information to come forward.