Brazilian Police Apprehend Suspected Serial Killer Disguised as Woman
Authorities in Brazil have captured a suspected serial killer linked to 16 deaths. The suspect was found disguised as a woman while carrying an infant.
POLICY WIRE — Paraiba, Brazil — Law enforcement officials announced on Friday the successful capture of a suspected serial killer tied to at least 16 homicides occurring since May. The suspect was apprehended on Sunday following an intensive 30-hour manhunt throughout a forested region in northeastern Brazil.
Authorities discovered the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva, attempting to evade capture by wearing a dress, a long black wig, women’s sandals, and sunglasses. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying an infant who police confirmed was not related to him.
While civil police have officially linked the suspect to 16 killings, the man claimed during questioning that he was responsible for as many as 80 homicides. He admitted to 11 of the confirmed deaths during his interrogation.
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The suspect previously escaped a police encounter several weeks ago, during which authorities recovered bulletproof vests, ammunition, and parts of a submachine gun. Two other individuals were taken into custody during that earlier operation on suspicion of involvement.
In a video of his interrogation, the suspect denied affiliations with organized crime and claimed he acted alone. He alleged that his victims were connected to criminal activity and that he was acting in response to threats against his family, while also stating he committed his first homicide at age 13.
The killings occurred in the Mulungu region, located approximately 1,553 miles north of Rio de Janeiro. Under current Brazilian law, the suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of 40 years.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
