The World - News from Dec. 28, 1988

Brazilian police said they are skeptical of a claim by a rancher’s son that he is responsible for the murder of environmentalist Francisco Mendes last week. Darcy Alves Pereira, 21, surrendered to police Monday. Police say they still consider cattle rancher Darli Alves da Silva, Pereira’s father, a main suspect. The shooting of Mendes has stirred wide outrage. The 44-year-old rubber workers’ leader had an international reputation for his struggles to preserve the Amazon rain forests. Mendes, who had told authorities that his life was in danger, was shot to death at his home Dec. 22.