{
  "id": 9074804,
  "title": "Brazil’s 'Mosquito' Serial Killer Accused Of 16 Murders, Arrested After Years Hiding In Woods In Disguise With Baby | Watch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/brazils-mosquito-serial-killer-accused-of-16-murders-arrested-after",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T03:34:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/brazils-mosquito-serial-killer-accused-of-16-murders-arrested-after-years-hiding-in-woods-in-disguise-with-baby-watch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brazilian authorities have accused Jorlan Lopes da Silva, a 33-year-old man, of allegedly killing 16 people in recent months. Dubbed \"the mosquito\" by locals due to his frail build, da Silva had been hiding in the woods to avoid capture. According to police investigator Douglas Garcia, da Silva resided in makeshift camps within the thick bush, making his escape from law enforcement possible for years. The investigation began after da Silva allegedly shot an 18-year-old in a public square, leading Garcia to connect him with other crimes. Despite claiming that he only attacked criminals, police evidence suggests da Silva's victims included individuals other than criminals. Da Silva is currently in custody wearing a disguise comprising a black dress with white stripes, a wig, and painted nails. He was also carrying a baby, though it is confirmed that the infant is not his own. Police believe da Silva joined a criminal gang responsible for numerous killings in the region, although he denies any affiliation with such gangs. Instead, he claims to be engaged in a \"personal war.\" Da Silva faces prosecution for the 16 murders, though he asserts that he may have committed additional crimes. The identities and circumstances of his victims remain confidential to facilitate the ongoing investigation and potential re-openings.",
  "summary": "Sao Paulo: A man who Brazilian authorities say killed 16 people lived in the woods to avoid capture and was nicknamed “mosquito” by locals because of his frail build, the Brazilian police investigator responsible for his arrest said. ‼️ Homem investigado por 16 homicídios diz ter matado 80 pessoas na Paraíba Jorlan Lopes da Silva, de 33 anos, foi preso no domingo, 13, em Mulungu, no Agreste da…",
  "key_points": [
    "Jorlan Lopes da Silva, 33, accused of 16 murders in Brazil.",
    "Dubbed \"mosquito\" due to frail build, da Silva hid in woods for years.",
    "Police found him with disguise and a baby, not his own."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The arrest of Jorlan Lopes da Silva marks a significant breakthrough in a string of murders in Brazil, but raises questions about his claimed motivations and potential connections to organized crime.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "Brazil ‘Mosquito’ serial killer accused of 16 killings hid in woods, caught in wig and dress with baby",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/brazil-mosquito-serial-killer-accused-of-16-killings-hid-in-woods",
        "published": "2026-09-22T05:47:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}