Brazil police arrest suspect in Paraiba serial killings, reopen dozens of cases

Brazilian police have arrested a man they describe as one of the region's most prolific killers and said they will reopen dozens of cases linked to him.

Jorlan Lopes da Silva, 33, was taken into custody on 13 September after a two-day search in the Vale do Mamanguape area of Paraiba, a state in northeastern Brazil. He is suspected of killing at least 16 people in the Mulungu region.

According to police chief Douglas Garcia, da Silva confessed during interrogation to several homicides. "Very coldly, Jorlan confessed to several homicide crimes," Garcia said. A police spokeswoman, Gerlane Pereira, said the suspect also admitted to another 11 killings.

Da Silva was arrested as he tried to escape dressed in a black dress with white stripes, a wig and painted nails, while carrying a child. Police said the child was not related to him.

Officers said da Silva lived predominantly in forest areas, a factor that complicated the operation. Drone footage was used to search wooded terrain, and police also located a camp area where he had been living.

Two other suspects linked to the same criminal organisation were arrested. Police say da Silva is a member of a gang that has killed dozens of people in the region.

He told officers after his arrest that he committed his first killing at the age of 13. The Mulungu region lies about 2,500 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro.