Decision Reached Into Worker's Actions In Greenwich Homicide

GREENWICH, CT — An unnamed Greenwich Department of Public Works employee has been demoted, suspended and further punished for taking photographs of the crime scene of the killing of Valerie Reyes last month.

The bound and gagged body of Reyes, a 24-year-old New Rochelle resident, was discovered in a suitcase on the side of Glenville Road by members of the town's Highway Division on Feb. 5.

"The investigation into the Department of Public Works employee, who admitted to taking photos of murder victim Valerie Reyes and of the crime scene on Feb. 5, 2019, has been completed," officials with the Department of Public Works wrote in a statement to Patch. "It was determined that the employee’s actions did not involve any criminality.

"After evaluating the employee’s overall Town service, the employee was demoted for a minimum of six months, suspended without pay for five (5) days, forfeited five (5) vacation days, and must complete a sensitivity training program.

"As this was a personnel matter, the Town will not comment further and will not confirm or deny the identity of the employee."

Javier Enrique Da Silva Rojas (known as Javier Da Silva), a Flushing, NY resident who previously dated Reyes, has been charged in connection with her killing.

When news broke last month of the employee's actions, First Selectman Peter Tesei expressed outrage at the town employee's actions. The worker was initially placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation into his actions was underway.

"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."