Suspected Serial Killer Arrested in Brazil While Dressed as Woman
Authorities apprehended the 33-year-old suspect, who reportedly confessed to 80 murders, during a raid in Paraiba state.
A suspect in a series of murders, who allegedly confessed to killing 80 people, was arrested in northeastern Brazil while attempting to evade capture disguised as a woman. Jorlan Alves da Silva, 33, was apprehended on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Paraiba state, wearing a striped dress, a long wig, women's sandals, dark glasses, and painted nails.
During the raid, police removed da Silva's wig, revealing his short hair. He was reportedly found in possession of a 2-year-old child, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding this. Security forces had initially stopped a vehicle believed to be used by da Silva and other accomplices, arresting one individual while da Silva managed to escape.
Police suspect da Silva of committing at least 15 murders for organized crime gangs in the three months prior to his arrest. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to having killed approximately 80 people throughout his life. He reportedly committed his first murder at the age of 13 and served prison time for various offenses before his release in late May 2026.
One of the cases under investigation involves the double homicide of two businessmen on August 1 in Rio Tinto. Detective Douglas Garcia of the Civil Police stated that da Silva accurately led authorities to the burial site of one of the victims. However, the claim of 80 killings is still under investigation.
If da Silva's confession is accurate, he would be considered the most prolific serial killer in Brazilian history, surpassing Pedro Rodrigues Filho, known as the “Brazilian Dexter,” who was convicted of 71 murders but claimed to have killed over 100.
