Brazilian Police Arrest Suspected Serial Killer Nicknamed 'Mosquito'

Brazilian authorities have arrested Jorlan Lopes da Silva, a 33-year-old man accused of killing 16 people over the past three months in the northeastern state of Paraiba. The suspect, known locally as "mosquito" due to his slight build, was apprehended on September 13 after a two-day pursuit.

According to Douglas Garcia, the lead investigator on the case, da Silva lived in the woods in makeshift camps to evade capture. This lifestyle made it difficult for police to connect him to the string of killings that initially appeared unrelated.

"That allowed him to evade capture for years," Garcia stated. "Jorlan lived mostly in the woods, that's why it was so hard to find him and link him to crimes that didn't seem to be connected at first."

The investigation gained traction when da Silva allegedly shot an 18-year-old dead in a public square. While the suspect claims he only targeted criminals, Garcia noted that evidence suggests otherwise.

Da Silva is reportedly providing information that he committed more crimes than those for which he is currently being prosecuted. Investigations are ongoing, and some previously closed cases are being reopened.

Investigators captured da Silva while he was wearing a black dress with white stripes, a wig, and painted nails. He was also carrying a baby, who authorities confirmed was not related to him. Garcia explained that da Silva resorted to the disguise and took the baby out of desperation when he was unable to reach his camp.

"This is a very different person, he said he killed for the first time at age 13," Garcia said.

Police had previously stated that da Silva was associated with a criminal gang responsible for numerous deaths in the region. However, he denies any gang affiliation and told investigators he was engaged in a "personal war."

The region where the recent killings occurred, Mulungu, is located approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro.