Diogo Figueira da Rocha was born on October 9, 1863, in Brazil, though little is known about his early upbringing or childhood circumstances. Most of what’s documented about him centers around his adult life, when he became a notorious outlaw and serial killer under the nickname “Dioguinho,” or “Little Diogo.” The moniker likely referred to his stature but did not match the fear he inspired across the state of São Paulo in the late 19th century.

He was known to operate in the remote western reaches of São Paulo state, where the frontier-like conditions of the time made it easier for criminals to roam undetected. Dioguinho took advantage of this landscape.

Between 1894 and 1897, Dioguinho's name became synonymous with terror in São Paulo. He is suspected of killing over 50 people—many of them through ambushes and execution-style shootings. His victims reportedly included travelers, rival criminals, merchants, and possibly law enforcement officers.

Most of his killings occurred in the interior of São Paulo, far from major urban centers, which made it incredibly difficult for law enforcement to track or capture him. Dioguinho exploited the geography, living off the land and moving between settlements with the help of sympathizers and possibly accomplices. Some sources even suggest he had a loose network of collaborators or supporters who provided food, information, and shelter.

As his body count rose, so did public outcry. The Brazilian government dispatched special task forces with the sole purpose of capturing or eliminating him. A massive manhunt followed, with regular updates in newspapers turning his pursuit into something of a national spectacle. Despite multiple reported sightings and failed capture attempts, Dioguinho always managed to slip through the cracks.

That changed on May 1, 1897. A police unit tracked him to the banks of the Mojiguaçu River. A shootout followed, and it was reported that Dioguinho was killed during the confrontation. However, in a twist that still fuels mystery and conspiracy, his body was never recovered. No corpse, no photos, no final confirmation—only the official statement that he had been gunned down.