Officer Douglas Garcia, who commands the investigation, told AP on 22/9 that police apprehended Jorlan Lopes da Silva, 33, after a two-day, large-scale manhunt in the remote Mulungu area of Paraiba state, northeastern Brazil.

Da Silva was wanted for the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old youth in public. Evidence at the crime scene led investigators to identify him as the perpetrator of at least 16 other murders in the Mulungu region.

Officer Garcia explained that Da Silva typically lived in self-made forest camps after committing crimes, which helped him evade police capture. Locals nicknamed him "mosquito" due to his thin build.

During an intense police operation in mid-September, Da Silva found himself unable to return to the forest. In a desperate attempt to deceive authorities, he disguised himself as a woman, wearing a black and white striped dress, a wig, and painted nails. He also kidnapped a child.

Suspect Da Silva (center) after his arrest. Photo: Paraiba Police

When apprehended, Da Silva was holding the child. Authorities confirmed the child had no blood relation to the suspect but withheld further details to ensure the child's safety.

The suspect later confessed that he first committed a crime at 13 years old. Police suspect Da Silva is a member of a criminal gang responsible for dozens of local murders.

However, Da Silva denied any ties to the gang, claiming he was waging a "personal war" against criminals. He also provided additional information about previous murders.

Paraiba state police are reopening old cases but are keeping victim identities and related information confidential to aid the ongoing investigation.

Hoang Lan (According to AP)