US News

Brazilian police arrest murder suspect linked to at least 16 killings

Authorities captured 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva in Paraiba state following an intensive manhunt.

Updated Sep 18, 2026 · 23:18 UTC2 reports

The short version

Brazilian police arrested 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva in Paraiba state following a search in the Mulungu region.[CBS News · ABC News]
Civil police have linked da Silva to 16 killings since May, though he claimed during questioning to have killed 80 people.[CBS News]
Officers captured the suspect in a disguise and arrested two additional men suspected of involvement in the network.[CBS News · ABC News]

Brazilian civil police arrested 33-year-old Jorlan Lopes da Silva on Sunday after a search in the Mulungu region of Paraiba state.[CBS News · ABC News]
Civil police confirmed da Silva's participation in 16 homicides in the region taking place since May.[CBS News]
Da Silva was apprehended while wearing a disguise that included a dress and wig, while carrying an unrelated child.[CBS News · ABC News]
Police arrested two other men during the operation on suspicion of involvement.[CBS News · ABC News]

Da Silva claimed in an interrogation to have killed 80 people, but police have only confirmed his involvement in 16 homicides.[CBS News]
Da Silva denied ties to organized crime and claimed he acted alone, contradicting police statements linking him to a criminal organization.[CBS News · ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.