Brazil TV crime show host accused in killings faces arrest but disappears

Brazil TV crime host hunted after arrest ordered

BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazilian police say they are hunting for a TV crime show host and former state legislator who is accused of commissioning killings to boost ratings.

Agents say they haven’t yet been able to find Wallace Souza and they are staking out an airport in Manaus.

Monday’s arrest warrant lists charges of drug trafficking, gang formation and weapons possession. Souza says he is innocent, but a state legislature in the Amazon region kicked him out last week.

Authorities say the 51-year-old Souza orchestrated five killings to increase ratings for his “Canal Livre” show that featured graphic footage of crime victims. He has not yet been charged in those killings, however.