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Crime Show Host Ordered Murders for Killer Ratings

Politician's crime show 'went as far as creating facts'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 12, 2009 12:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – A Brazilian politician is suspected of commissioning killings to boost ratings for his crime show, the Guardian reports. Wallace Souza has asserted that the city of Manaus is crime-ridden; he’s suspected of ordering at least 5 deaths to make his case. The show “had an uncanny knack for being first” to a crime scene, the AP notes.

“The order to execute always came from the legislator and his son, who then alerted the TV crews to get to the scene before the police,” said an investigator. Souza has also been accused of drug trafficking. “We believe that they organized a kind of death squad to execute rivals who disputed with them the drug trafficking business," the official said. Souza "would eliminate his rival and use the killing as a news story for his program."

Amazonas State legislator and television show host Wallace Souza, center, speaks during a news conference in Manaus, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.
Amazonas State legislator and television show host Wallace Souza, center, speaks during a news conference in Manaus, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/A Critica, Antonio Menezes)
Brazil's police show arms, munitions and money allegedly confiscated from the home of legislator and television show host Wallace Souza, Friday, April 24, 2009.
Brazil's police show arms, munitions and money allegedly confiscated from the home of legislator and television show host Wallace Souza, Friday, April 24, 2009.   (AP Photo/Raphael Alves-A Critica)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Revenge_of_Mint
Aug 13, 2009 5:45 AM CDT
Am i the only one that thinks the guy in the photo looks like Billy Mays?
NxBigmouthery
Aug 12, 2009 9:18 AM CDT
Now THAT'S reality TV.
AdaptAndOvercome
Aug 12, 2009 8:28 AM CDT
This guy watch "the Running Man" one too many times.

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