Aurelio Zhunio-Orbez, 66, had been reported missing to police by his boss in Danbury, Connecticut, back on Dec. 1 after he failed to return to the taxi base.
He was last seen at the Brewster train station in New York. The 66-year-old had picked up a fare around 11:30 p.m.
Police say the victim's black Toyota Sienna livery cab was stolen after the murder and was also missing. It would be found a few days later.
The car has ORBESTAXI.COM on the rear, along with "V89" marked on the back left side. There is a white roof-mounted taxi sign as well.
Authorities are asking anyone who saw the vehicle or noticed unusual or suspicious activity involving it in the Brewster or Purdys areas on or around Dec. 1 to contact investigators immediately.
The bad news has come in waves for friends and family of the taxi driver.
Zhunia-Orbez was a devout member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints and was active in the Danbury branch where he lived.
This weekend, several congregants were among those waiting for information, which turned out to be another grim development -- the Putnam County coroner ruled Zhunio-Orbez's death a homicide, and a criminal investigation is now underway.
The church community has started a GoFundMe page which has already raised over $10,000.
The page also says the family wants justice, describing Zhunia-Orbez as a generous and attentive leader who will be greatly missed.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at (845) 225-4300, Ext. 42252.
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