A man who made international headlines this week for attempting to break out of prison by using an elaborate disguise that included a silicon mask and swapping clothes with his 19-year-old daughter, has been found dead in his cell, authorities reported Tuesday.
Prison officials in Brazil say Clauvina da Silva, 42, apparently hanged himself inside the cell at the maximum-security Bangu 1 Prison in Rio de Janerio, three days after his elaborate escape attempt was foiled by authorities. The notorious drug dealer had been transferred to the new facility following his escape attempt on Saturday.
da Silva, who was nicknamed "Shorty" for his small stature, went viral after he attempted to use a silicone mask, a dark wig, and his daughter's clothing in an attempt to escape after being sentenced to nearly 74 years in prison for drug smuggling.
The gang leader was reportedly caught after guards at the prison he was trying to escape noticed he was acting nervous while trying to leave the prison. Video of da Silva removing his disguise went viral earlier this week, and showed the prisoner staring straight ahead as the guards remove his wig and glasses. da Silva can then be seen removing the jacket and a pink t-shirt before finally removing the silicone mask.
da Silva was detained and transferred to the Bangu 1 prison cell where he was found dead. Authorities say he planned on leaving his 19-year-old daughter behind in the cell. Silva's daughter, who stayed in her father's cell during his escape attempt, is also being investigated along with eight other people for their alleged involvement in the attempted jailbreak.
Saturday's attempt was not da Silva's first escape attempt. In 2013, he was able to escape a jail in Gericin with 30 other inmates after he was able to gain access to the sewer system.
He was later apprehended by authorities.
Photo: Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat