Serial killer 'mosquito' found in woods in woman's dress

Garcia added that da Silva was nicknamed “mosquito” by locals because of his frail build. “That allowed him to evade capture for years,” Garcia said.

“Jorlan lived mostly in the woods, that’s why it was so hard to find him and link him to crimes that didn’t seem to be connected at first.”Garcia said police finally connected da Silva to other crimes after he allegedly shot an 18-year-old to death in a public square.

The investigator said the suspect claims he only attacked criminals, but evidence collected so far shows that was not the case. Garcia also said da Silva has provided information indicating that he committed more crimes than those for which he is currently being prosecuted.

He added that he could not discuss further details because some investigations are ongoing while others are being reopened. The investigator said the identities of the victims and details about their deaths are being kept confidential so the prosecution can proceed.

Da Silva was captured wearing a black dress with white stripes, a wig and painted nails. He was carrying a baby whom authorities confirmed was not related to him, but they did not provide further details.

“This is a very different person. He said he killed for the first time at age 13,” Garcia said.

“We caught him because he wasn’t able to reach his tent in the woods, so he, out of desperation, got that disguise, took that baby that is not his and was ultimately arrested.”Police said at the time that da Silva was a member of a criminal gang that has killed dozens of people in the region.

He denies any affiliation with local gangs and that he was “in a personal war.”The region of Mulungu, where the recent killings took place, lies about 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro.