Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Brazilian 'Mosquito' Suspect Arrested After Years Hiding In Woods
Brazilian police arrested a man they accuse of many killings.
His name is Jorlan Lopes da Silva, and locals called him “Mosquito” because he was very thin.
Police say he hid in the woods for years.
They connected him to several crimes after an 18-year-old was shot in a public square.
Authorities say he is accused of 16 murders, although more investigations are still continuing.
When police caught him, he was wearing a dress, a wig and painted nails.
He was also carrying a baby who was not related to him.
The suspect says he only attacked criminals and denies belonging to a gang.
Brazilian authorities accuse 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva of killing 16 people in Paraíba.
Police say the killings occurred over three months in the isolated region of Mulungu.
Da Silva allegedly lived in makeshift camps in the woods and evaded capture for years.
He was arrested on September 13 wearing a dress, wig and painted nails while carrying an unrelated baby.
Da Silva claims he attacked only criminals, denies gang ties and says he was engaged in a personal war.
- Who
- Brazilian authorities accuse 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva of multiple killings; investigator Douglas Garcia led the pursuit.
- What
- Da Silva was arrested and accused of 16 murders, while police investigate whether he committed additional crimes.
- When
- He was captured on September 13 after allegedly hiding for years; the linked killings occurred during the preceding three months.
- Where
- He was arrested after a pursuit in or near the woods around Mulungu, in Brazil’s northeastern state of Paraíba.
- Why
- Police say he hid to evade capture, while Da Silva says he was engaged in a personal war and attacked criminals.
Police Account
Suspect’s Claims
Responsibility for killings
Police Account
Police accuse Da Silva of 16 murders and say evidence does not support his claim that all victims were criminals.
Suspect’s Claims
Da Silva claims he has attacked only criminals.
Gang affiliation
Police Account
Police said he was a member of a criminal gang linked to dozens of killings in the region.
Suspect’s Claims
Da Silva denies affiliation with local gangs and told investigators he was involved in a personal war.
Extent of crimes
Police Account
Investigators say Da Silva is providing evidence that he committed more crimes, with some cases being reopened.
Suspect’s Claims
No separate defense account about the additional investigations was provided.
- Suspect
- Jorlan Lopes da Silva, 33
- Accused killings
- 16
- Location
- Mulungu, Paraíba, Brazil
- Arrest date
- September 13
- Nickname
- “Mosquito,” reportedly referring to his frail build
- Disguise
- A black dress with white stripes, a wig and painted nails
- Additional investigations
- Police said Da Silva has provided evidence suggesting more crimes may have occurred