Update 2/13/19: Reyes’ ex-boyfriend, Javier da Silva, a Portuguese national, has been living in Queens illegally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say, after overstaying his Visa in 2017. According to the complaint filed in White Plains federal court, da Silva admits to taping Reyes’ mouth, tying her hands and feet, and stuffing her in a suitcase, he claims after she fell and hit her head in her home on January 29. He is being charged with kidnapping resulting in death.
The complaint also states that head trauma including a hematoma on Reyes’ forehead and bruising on her face were evident when she was found in Greenwich. Additionally, it confirms that da Silva was found in part through his use of Reyes’ credit card the day after her death, as well as by a drawing of da Silva found in Reyes’ home. ICE has filed a formal detainer to remove da Silva from the U.S. immediately upon release from criminal custody.
Greenwich, CT police today announced that a suspect has been arrested in connection to the death of New Rochelle resident Valerie Reyes.
Reyes, 24, is believed to have gone missing from her home on January 29, with her mother reporting she feared for her life the last time they spoke. Her bank card was later used in Manhattan. On February 5, a body was found in a suitcase on the side of Glenville Road in Greenwich, CT with hands and feet bound, later identified as Reyes. Police have not made public a cause of death, but did say that she was evidently not killed where her body was found.
After an outpouring of emotion from local communities — including a vigil and a successful GoFundMe campaign that has already raised 50 percent over its intended goal in just four days — Greenwich police have announced that Reyes’ ex-boyfriend Javier da Silva, 33 has been arrested for fraudulently using Reyes’ ATM card, and is believed to have been involved with her death. CBS is reporting that the Flushing, Queens resident has confessed to Reyes’ killing.
#Greenwich Police have arrested a suspect “believed to be involved in the death” of Valerie Reyes — the #NewRochelle woman found dead and stuffed in a suitcase on 2/5. Officials say the person in custody used Reyes’ ATM card. @FiOS1NewsLHV
— Jonathan Gordon (@JGordonFiOS1) February 12, 2019
Westchester Magazine will continue to update this story as it develops.
