Brazil Gang Leader Who Tried to Escape Dressed as His Daughter Kills Himself

A Brazilian gang leader who tried to escape prison dressed as his daughter has been found dead in his cell. Rio de Janeiro prison authorities said Tuesday that gang leader Clauvino da Silva apparently hanged himself with a sheet. An investigation has been opened.

This photo released by the Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat, shows the mask, wig and women’s clothing that was used by a man authorities identified as jailed Brazilian drug trafficker Clauvino da Silva, alias “Baixinho,” which means “Shorty,” in an attempt to escape from jail in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. (Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat via AP)

Da Silva was caught over the weekend as he tried to head out of a jail in western Rio wearing a female silicon mask, a long dark-haired wig, tight jeans with a pink t-shirt.

Da Silva was part of the leadership of one of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil. He was trying to pass as his 19-year-old daughter, who was visiting him that day.

Officials say he managed to reach the prison’s exit doors, but his nervousness caught the attention of security guards.