Authorities in northeastern Brazil have arrested a man they suspect is responsible for at least 16 killings over three months and are investigating whether he may be linked to many more.
Police detained 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva in the town of Mulungu, in the state of Paraíba, on Sunday, Sept. 13, after a focused 48-hour operation, local outlets reported. Investigators say he was disguised as a woman when officers took him into custody.
Disguise And Identification
According to reports from O Globo, Record R7 and iG Último Segundo, Lopes da Silva was wearing a dress, a wig, women's sandals, sunglasses and nail polish. He was also carrying a 2-year-old child who is not his, apparently in an attempt to avoid detection. Police say the child received medical attention and is physically unharmed.
Officers identified Lopes da Silva after a section of his dress shifted and revealed a tattoo that matched investigative records, allowing them to confirm his identity and make the arrest.
Allegations And Ongoing Investigation
Investigators believe Lopes da Silva is linked to 16 killings since late May. During questioning, he allegedly told police he began killing at age 13 and claimed a total of about 80 victims over roughly two decades, saying his first alleged victim was his father. Authorities have located at least one burial site based on information he provided and are pursuing additional leads to determine whether other unsolved cases are connected to him.
It was not immediately clear whether formal charges had been filed at the time of the reports. Local outlets cited for this coverage include O Globo, Record R7 and iG Último Segundo.
Note: Details in this case are based on preliminary reports and statements attributed to investigators and the suspect; police are continuing to investigate and verify claims.
