#06 - The Vampire of Niterói

The Vampire of Niterói: Brazil's Most Horrific Serial KillerIn 1991, the streets of Rio de Janeiro became a hunting ground for one of Brazil's most disturbing predators. Marcelo Costa de Andrade, known as "O Vampiro de Niterói," terrorized the region for nine months, targeting the most vulnerable members of society - street children aged 5 to 13.This chilling episode explores how a boy abandoned by every system designed to protect him transformed into a monster who murdered at least 14 innocent children. From his traumatic childhood in Rio's Rocinha favela to his capture after a brave 11-year-old's escape, we uncover the dark psychology behind his ritualistic crimes that included sexual assault, murder, and the drinking of victims' blood.Host Elias Crowe examines the systemic failures that created this predator, the investigation that brought him down, and the ongoing debates about justice and mental illness in Brazil's legal system. More than 30 years later, Andrade remains confined in a psychiatric hospital, still hearing voices that command him to kill.Content Warning:This episode contains disturbing discussions of violence against children and is intended for mature audiences only.Support ResourcesNeed help?Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741National Suicide Prevention: 988Brazil: Disque 100 (Human Rights Violations) | CVV: 188 (Suicide Prevention)About Latin NoirExploring Latin America's most compelling criminal cases with respect for victims while examining the social forces behind these tragedies. Hosted by Elias Crowe.Stay ConnectedSubscribe wherever you get podcasts for weekly episodesEmail: latinnoir@gmail.comLatin Noir - Where crime meets culture.© 2025 Latin Noir Podcast. All rights reserved.