Reporter Tortured, Slain by Drug Lord, Police Say
An undercover TV journalist reporting on crime and drugs in Rio de Janeiro’s shantytowns was tortured and put to death with a sword by a drug lord who runs his territory like a medieval fiefdom, police said.
Tim Lopes of Globo television was captured June 2 as he tried to infiltrate a dance party in northern Rio de Janeiro, where gangs sell drugs and stage illicit sex shows.
Lopes, 50, was taken to a nearby shantytown, where he was shot in the feet, brutally beaten and killed by drug lord Elias Pereira da Silva, police said. Gang members then burned Lopes’ body.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
