GREENWICH, CT — A 24-year-old Flushing, NY man has been arrested in connection with the killing of New Rochelle resident Valerie Reyes, whose bound and gagged body was discovered in a suitcase in Greenwich last week, according to Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Javier Enrique Da Silva Rojas (known as Javier Da Silva), who was apprehended in Flushing Monday night, was charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death, which carries a sentence of death or life in prison. He was arraigned in federal court in White Plains on Tuesday and remains in custody.
Reyes was reported missing by her mother, father and boyfriend on Jan. 30 and her body was discovered in the red suitcase on Feb. 5.
According to the complaint, when she was discovered, Reyes showed “obvious signs of head trauma including bruising around the face and a large hematoma” on her forehead. An autopsy is being conducted by the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the results are still pending.
She had been bound with what authorities said appeared to be white twine and packing tape at the hands (which were behind her back), bare feet and knees, and packing tape had been placed over her mouth and chin.
Da Silva and Reyes had dated, according to prosecutors, but she had ended the relationship about a year prior to the kidnapping.
He is believed to have begun using Reyes’ debit card on Jan. 29, which helped lead to his capture.
“As alleged, Javier Da Silva is charged with committing a gruesome kidnapping that resulted in the death of a young woman,” stated Berman. “Thanks to the excellent work of the FBI and its local law enforcement partners, Da Silva will need to answer for his alleged actions in court.”
Added District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr., “From the start of this investigation into the death of Valerie Reyes, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office has worked closely with Greenwich and New Rochelle Police Departments and the Connecticut State’s Attorney. The Assistant District Attorney and investigators assigned to the case worked tirelessly in an effort to bring swift justice for the victim of this horrendous crime and her family here in Westchester. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, to ensure the strength of the case.”
At a press conference Tuesday, Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry said that the investigation is continuing. “The suspect has admitted a role in Valerie’s death.”
Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey echoed Berman and Scarpino’s sentiments about the tireless work by Greenwich and New Rochelle detectives in investigating the case.
“We are pleased that this investigation and subsequent prosecution may bring justice for Valerie and some level of peace to her family,” Heavey stated. “The New Rochelle and Greenwich communities can be proud of the collaborative work of their detectives and how they brought this investigation to a successful conclusion.”
Because of the complex, multi-jurisdictional nature of the case, Greenwich and New Rochelle police referred it to Berman’s office.
“New Rochelle Police Detectives, accompanied by Greenwich Police Detectives, arrested a suspect in New York who had fraudulently used the ATM card of homicide victim Valerie Reyes,” said Berry earlier on Tuesday. “The arrested individual is also believed to be involved in the death of Valerie. Additional information on the suspect and charges will be released by the New Rochelle Police Department. We are confident that the pursuit of justice for Valerie will be successful and we continue to work with the family to provide closure to this tragedy.”
Berry added that detectives combed “multiple crime scenes,” and examined “hundreds of hours of surveillance footage” during the investigation. Detectives also interviewed numerous potential witnesses, in addition to extensively reviewing “social media footprints and records from a variety of sources.”
Greenwich police is urging anyone with information concerning Valerie and/or her disappearance to contact the Greenwich Police Tip Line at (203) 622-3333 or email at [email protected].
Photo: Greenwich Police Capt. Robert Berry with some of the Greenwich police detectives who investigated the case. Photo credit: Alfred Branch
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