Brazilian authorities have arrested a man suspected of being responsible for at least 16 killings since May, following a 30-hour search through a forested area in Paraiba state, northeastern Brazil.
Police said the suspect was apprehended while wearing women’s clothing and carrying a baby.
The man, who reportedly claims to have been involved in more than 80 homicides, was arrested on Sunday after authorities launched a search operation in the region. Police said he had changed his appearance by wearing a dress, a long black wig and other women’s clothing in an apparent attempt to avoid capture.
Local media outlets, including O Globo, published photographs and video showing the suspect with painted fingernails, a striped dress, a dark wig, women’s sandals and sunglasses. Police said he was carrying a baby when officers detained him.
Authorities said the child was not related to the suspect. No further information was provided about the baby’s condition.
“Although the suspect claimed involvement in 80 homicides, civil police have confirmed his participation in 16 killings in the region, 11 of which he confessed to during questioning,” police told AFP.
The 16 killings reportedly occurred since May. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims or provided details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Police identified the suspect as 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva, according to Record R7.
Da Silva had reportedly avoided arrest during an earlier operation several weeks ago, following a confrontation with security forces. Authorities have linked him to an “ultra-violent” criminal group.
However, during an interrogation recorded on video and obtained by AFP, the suspect said he had acted alone and rejected allegations that he was connected to organized crime.
The killings occurred in the region of Mulungu, which is located about 1,553 miles north of Rio de Janeiro.
