Brazil TV crime host accused in killings dies in a hospital, official says

Brazil TV crime host accused in killings dies

RIO DE JANEIRO — A former Brazilian TV crime show host and state legislator accused of orchestrating murders to boost ratings has died.

A spokeswoman for a hospital in Sao Paulo said on Wednesday that Wallace Souza died after having a heart attack.

Police say Souza orchestrated murders of rival drug traffickers in the Amazon city of Manaus. He was also accused of drug dealing.

Police alleged that Souza would direct crews from his crime show to the scene to obtain exclusive footage.

Hospital spokeswoman Raquel Rojas says the 51-year-old suspect died Tuesday afternoon. He had been hospitalized since March 18.

She says Souza suffered from Budd Chiari syndrome. The rare disorder causes clots to form in blood vessels in the liver.