murder

Greenwich DPW Employee on Leave Over Photos of Murder Victim

A Greenwich Department of Public Works employee has been placed on leave after photos were taken of a murder victim found in Greenwich, according to a statement from the office of the First Selectman.

Greenwich highway workers found the body of Valerie Reyes, 24, of New Rochelle, New York, Tuesday morning in a suitcase along Glenville Road in Greenwich. Her hands and feet had been bound, according to police.

A statement from the office of the First Selectman says the employee is on leave pending the completion the investigation "into the employee’s actions on Feb. 5, 2019.”

The statement goes on to say the actions “involved the taking of photos of the murder victim and the crime scene.”

Reyes had been missing for nearly a week when her body was discovered. 

Before that, the last time anyone had reported seeing Reyes was around 9 a.m. on Jan 29, according to police.

“The victim was a daughter, a sister and a cousin of a family who is suffering a tremendous loss at this time. This thoughtless and insensitive behavior by an employee is inexcusable. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Reyes’ family,” First Selectman Peter J. Tesei said in a statement.

Greenwich officials have not identified the employee who was placed on leave and said it is a pending personnel matter.

Police are trying to determine who is responsible for Reyes’ death.

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