An Amazonas TV host accused of ordering executions to boost his programme's ratings died in Sao Paulo yesterday, taking to the grave the truth about his alleged involvement in a series of murders that were broadcast on his daily crime show.
Wallace Souza, a former policeman and MP in the state of Amazonas, was arrested in October last year and had been under police guard in a hospital in Sao Paulo since March, suffering from chronic liver disease, according to relatives.
His gore-filled show specialised in footage of murder victims, making him a household name in Manaus. He was elected to the state assembly three times.
But last August, local authorities accused the 51-year-old of masterminding a series of murders that were then reported by journalists from his programme, Canal Livre. Police said they became suspicious about the swiftness with which Souza's reporters arrived at grisly crime scenes.
A former bodyguard was arrested and accused of nine murders, and he admitted at least one of them had been broadcast on the show. Police then raided Souza's house, uncovering several assault rifles. Souza – who always denied the charges – was impeached and arrested.
The investigation into his alleged role in death squads and drugs continued to grab headlines. Last month the local prosecutor called for several of his relatives to be indicted for witness intimidation.