A mechanic thought to be Brazil's worst serial killer was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for the murder of one of 42 boys he is accused of killing, a state court said.
Francisco Chagas, 41, was arrested in 2003 on charges of molesting, murdering and mutilating the boys in Maranhao and neighboring Para state in Brazil's northeast starting in 1991.
Brazil's media dubbed it the case of the castrated boys because the genitals had been cut off most of the bodies. Many also showed signs of sexual assault, while some were charred or decapitated.
A jury in Maranhao state court found Chagas guilty early today of the murder of a 15-year-old Maranhao boy. He confessed to asphyxiating him.
Jury members examined photographs and physical evidence and heard testimony from the boy's mother, who repeatedly called Chagas a "monster", local media reported.
The court Web site said Chagas' lawyer will not appeal the verdict. Court personnel were unable to say when Chagas might be tried for the murder of the other 41 victims.
Brazil does not impose the death penalty.
Chagas was returned to the penitentiary where he has been held since 2004.