Police in Paraíba arrested Jorlan Lopes da Silva on Sept. 13 after a 48-hour search following a confrontation in Rio Tinto.
Authorities say Silva attempted to flee disguised as a woman and was found accompanied by an unrelated two-year-old child, who is now safe and receiving care.
Investigators report strong evidence linking him to 16 homicides since May; Silva has claimed responsibility for more than 80 killings dating back to his adolescence, a claim authorities are still verifying.
Police in Paraíba, Brazil, have arrested a man accused of multiple killings after he reportedly attempted to evade capture by disguising himself as a woman.
Jorlan Lopes da Silva was taken into custody by the Civil and Military Police of Paraíba on Sept. 13 following a 48-hour search prompted by a confrontation in the municipality of Rio Tinto, local outlet O Globo reported.
Authorities say Silva was traveling with a wig, a dress, women's sandals, sunglasses and painted fingernails, and was accompanied by a two-year-old child who is not believed to be related to him. According to iG Último Segundo, the child received medical attention, has been placed in a safe location and is reported to be doing well. Police are investigating how the toddler came into Silva’s care.
Officers reportedly recognized Silva when his disguise slipped, revealing a distinctive chest tattoo that helped link him to the ongoing probe.
Investigators say they have strong evidence tying Silva to 16 homicides since May. After his arrest, Silva claimed responsibility for more than 80 killings dating back to his adolescence; authorities have not verified that claim. The initial altercation in Rio Tinto was connected to the deaths of two merchants, and Silva reportedly led police to locations where those bodies were buried.
Note: These are allegations under investigation. Officials with the Civil Police of Paraíba continue to gather evidence, corroborate statements and search for additional victims or ties to other cases.
The Civil Police of Paraíba are continuing their inquiry and have not released all details publicly. Local outlets covering the story include O Globo and iG Último Segundo; international outlets later republished the report. More information may emerge as investigators verify claims and complete forensic work.
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