Kidnapping, Murder Suspect Da Silva In US Illegally

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Queens resident accused of kidnapping and killing Valerie Reyes of New Rochelle was in the United States illegally. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Wednesday that Javier Da Silva, 24, is a citizen of Portugal and had overstayed his visa.

Da Silva was in the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program, which allows people to travel to the state for business or tourism for 90 days or less without having to obtain a visa, the Journal News said.

He entered the United States on May 8, 2017.

Reyes, 24, was reported missing by her family Jan. 30. On Feb. 5, her body was found in a suitcase on the side of a road in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Da Silva was charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death. The charge carries a sentence of death or life in prison.

He said, according to the arrest warrant, that Reyes fell and hit her head at her apartment Jan. 29, News 12 reported.

Security cameras recorded Da Silva leaving his apartment with a duffel bag.

Da Silva is being held without bail.

A statement from ICE said the agency will aim to take custody of Da Silva for immediate removal when he is released from criminal custody.

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Photo caption: Valerie Reyes. Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department.