Inmate Found Dead Days After His Jailbreak Flops

Clauvino da Silva believed to have died by hanging

By Arden Dier, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 6, 2019 11:45 AM CDT

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Inmate Who Tried to Escape Dressed as Daughter Is Dead — This photo shows a man who authorities identify as jailed Brazilian drug trafficker Clauvino da Silva in disguise at a prison complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday. (Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat via AP)

A Brazilian gang leader is believed to have committed suicide three days after attempting to escape prison dressed as his 19-year-old daughter. Clauvino da Silva was found dead Tuesday in his cell at the high-security Bangu 1 prison in Rio de Janeiro state. He'd been transferred there following his failed jailbreak, the BBC reports, noting the 42-year-old was reportedly being held in solitary confinement. The AP describes death by hanging using a sheet.

A member of the criminal group Red Command, Silva had been serving 73 years and 10 months at Bangu 3 jail for drug trafficking when he made a bid for freedom Saturday in a silicone mask, dark wig, glasses, pink T-shirt, bra, and tight jeans. His daughter is one of nine people being investigated over Silva's attempt. Per the BBC, he once escaped through the sewer system of a jail in Gericin in 2013. (Read more Brazil stories.)