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Brazilian Serial Killer Who Dressed as a Woman Lived in the Woods and Was Nicknamed "Mosquito"
Police said Jorlan Lopes da Silva lived in the woods and is providing evidence of more crimes as investigations continue.
Brazilian police arrested 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva on Sep. 13 following a two-day manhunt in the isolated Mulungu region of Paraiba. Authorities allege Silva killed 16 people before his capture while disguised.
Known locally as "Mosquito" for his frail build, Silva evaded capture for years by living in makeshift camps within thick woods. Investigator Douglas Garcia noted Silva allegedly killed for the first time at age 13.
Police captured Silva as he attempted to reach his tent, forcing him to use a disguise. "We caught him because he wasn't able to reach his tent," Garcia said, noting Silva carried an unrelated baby.
While Silva denies gang affiliation and claims he fought a "personal war," police investigations contradict these assertions. Authorities are reviewing evidence suggesting Silva committed additional crimes beyond the 16 killings.
The Mulungu region, located 2,500 kilometers north of Rio, served as the site for these recent killings. Investigators are keeping victim identities confidential as they continue their work and reopen some cases.