Brazilian Police Arrest Suspect in Dozens of Killings
SÃO PAULO, Brazil — September 19, 2026

Brazilian police have arrested a 33-year-old man suspected of involvement in a series of killings in northeastern Brazil, prompting authorities to reopen dozens of unsolved cases in the region.

Jorlan Lopes da Silva was arrested Sunday in the state of Paraíba following a two-day search. Police say he is suspected of killing at least 16 people in the Mulungu region and has confessed to 11 additional killings.

Suspect Arrested After Two-Day Search
According to Paraíba police, Silva was captured while allegedly attempting to evade authorities.

Police said he was wearing a black dress with white stripes, a wig and painted nails when he was arrested. He was also carrying a child who authorities said was not related to him.

Two other people allegedly connected to the same criminal organization were also arrested.

Dozens of Cases to Be Reopened
Authorities say Silva’s statements could help investigators revisit numerous unsolved killings in the Mulungu area.

Police believe Silva was part of a criminal gang that has been linked to dozens of deaths in the region.

Investigators are expected to review previous cases to determine whether there is evidence connecting them to Silva or the criminal organization.

Alleged Killings Began When Suspect Was a Teenager
Police said Silva told investigators that he committed his first killing when he was 13 years old.

Authorities have not publicly established that every killing he confessed to can be independently attributed to him. The investigation into the cases remains ongoing.

The Mulungu region is located in Paraíba, approximately 2,500 kilometers north of Rio de Janeiro.

Investigation Continues
The arrest could lead investigators to revisit a number of previously unresolved homicide cases.

Police have not released full details about the alleged motives behind the killings or identified all of the victims potentially connected to the investigation.

Authorities are continuing to examine the suspect’s statements and other evidence as they investigate the wider series of killings.

Source
Associated Press (AP) — Brazilian police arrest a suspect in dozens of killings, September 18, 2026.
ABC News — AP report on the arrest and reopened cases.