**Police Searching for Dangerous Brazilian Man Who Escaped from Prison near Philadelphia**
Early Friday morning, police began a frantic search for an escaped inmate from the Chester County Prison near Philadelphia. The man, Danelo Cavalcante, was deemed “extremely dangerous” by authorities after he fled the facility just days after being sentenced to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of his former girlfriend.
The escape of Cavalcante, a Brazilian national, was confirmed by the local district attorney’s office on their official Twitter account. The acting warden of the prison, Howard Holland, did not provide any details regarding the circumstances behind the escape, but assured the public that an investigation was underway.
At a news conference, Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan informed the public that the escaped inmate was last seen walking southbound in Pocopson Township, wearing a white T-shirt, gray shorts, and white sneakers. She urged residents to remain vigilant and not to approach the suspect if spotted, instead immediately contacting 911.
Authorities extended the search to encompass all of Chester County, alerting residents within a six-mile radius of the prison about the escape. The county, located just west of Philadelphia, is on high alert as the manhunt continues.
According to the United States Marshals Service, Cavalcante is also wanted for homicide in Brazil, further increasing concerns about his potential danger. Last week, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole for brutally stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in front of their young children.
The district attorney’s office revealed that Ms. Brandao had discovered Cavalcante’s open warrant for murder in Brazil and threatened to report him to the police prior to the attack. Detectives believe this was the motive behind the tragic incident.
Further investigations indicated a history of violence, with Mr. Cavalcante having previously assaulted and threatened to kill Ms. Brandao. He stands at 5 feet tall and is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Daily Local News, a publication within the Media News Group, provided additional background information on the escaped inmate. It stated that Cavalcante had been held at the Chester County Prison since his arrest two years ago and was awaiting a potential transfer to a state prison facility following the expiration of a 30-day appeal period.
The prison itself has faced its share of challenges, with the regular warden being placed on administrative leave, and the acting warden taking over during a period of reported staff vacancies.
In response to the escape, the prison has suspended all family visits and heightened security measures. However, questions regarding the effectiveness of these measures in preventing Cavalcante’s escape remain.
As the search for the dangerous fugitive intensifies, authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to cooperate with law enforcement and assist in ensuring the safety of the community.