Brazil: Arrested disguised as woman, he admits to 80 murders since age 13
Jorlan Lopes da Silva, 33, was arrested in Paraíba State after disguising himself as a woman. He claims to have killed approximately 80 people since adolescence.
Disguised as woman to flee, he claims 80 murders in Brazil
A 33-year-old Brazilian was arrested on 13 September in Mulungu, in Paraíba State, after more than thirty hours on the run, disguised as a woman in an attempt to evade law enforcement. During interrogation, he claimed to have killed approximately 80 people since the age of 13. According to dna.fr, investigators have not yet been able to verify this figure.
Jorlan Lopes da Silva had fled into a wooded area before obtaining women's clothing. He presented himself to police wearing a dress and a wig, with painted nails, and carrying a two-year-old child. The disguise attempt was not sufficient: officers recognised him and arrested him. The child, who was not his own, was found safe and well. The suspect was also carrying a firearm at the time of his arrest, according to an investigator cited by Brazilian media outlet UOL.
Sixteen recent homicides, eleven admitted
Police already suspected Jorlan Lopes da Silva of involvement in 16 homicides committed since May in the Vale do Mamanguape region. He reportedly admitted to eleven of them, a figure confirmed by the Associated Press. During interrogation, however, the suspect went far beyond these recent crimes.
He stated that he committed his first murder at age 13, to avenge the death of his father, and claims approximately 80 victims over the course of his life. Investigators are preparing to reopen several unsolved cases that may be linked to the suspect or to the criminal group with which he is associated.
Alleged member of Comando Vermelho
Law enforcement presents Jorlan Lopes da Silva as an active member of Comando Vermelho, one of Brazil's principal criminal organisations, and suspect him of having acted as a hired killer in the context of internal scores being settled. The suspect denies any membership in a criminal organisation and claims to have always acted alone, presenting his actions as a form of vengeance against criminal individuals.
His arrest comes shortly after his release from prison. Police were searching for him in connection with several active arrest warrants. During the operation, investigators also discovered ammunition, a bulletproof vest, and firearm components in his camp.
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)