CONVICTED MURDERER ESCAPES FROM CHESTER COUNTY PRISON, REWARD OFFERED FOR HIS ARREST
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) — Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer, has escaped from Chester County Prison on Thursday, Aug. 31. Authorities are offering a reward of $10,000 for any information that may lead to his arrest. The public is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately if they see Cavalcante, as he is considered extremely dangerous.
Cavalcante, who stands at 5 feet tall and weighs 120 pounds, has brown eyes and long dark curly hair. When he escaped, he was wearing a prison-issued uniform along with a white T-shirt, white sneakers, green pants, and a backpack. Prior to his escape, Cavalcante had 30 days before being transferred to a state correctional institution after being sentenced to life without parole for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in front of her two young children.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan described Cavalcante as having a horrific pattern of domestic violence and emphasized his dangerous nature. It is worth noting that Cavalcante also had a murder warrant in his native Brazil, where he arrived from several years ago as a fugitive.
Cavalcante is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish and has some understanding of English. His escape from Chester County Prison was physical, with no signs of cutting fences, according to Acting Warden Howard Holland. The prison went into lockdown after the escape, but the security breach was already underway.
Authorities have not provided specific details on how Cavalcante managed to escape, citing an ongoing investigation. However, county officials have stated that if any corrective action is necessary inside the prison, it will be taken. Additionally, a thorough review of existing security measures will be conducted to prevent further escapes.
This incident is not the first prison escape in Pennsylvania this year. In Warren County, Michael Burham, a homicide suspect, was captured after being on the run for over a week. In Philadelphia, Nasir Grant and Ameen Hurst escaped from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center but were apprehended after several days. Several individuals were charged in connection with aiding their escape.
The manhunt for Cavalcante, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, has now entered its fourth day. There have been no indications that he has left the Chester County area, with the search covering 759 square miles of rural locations. Authorities believe Cavalcante is hiding locally and is likely alone, as they continue to search every possible route out of Chester County, including railways and the Brandywine Creek.
Cavalcante was sighted on a residential surveillance camera in Pocopson Township, 1.5 miles away from the prison on Saturday, Sept. 2. In response, Longwood Gardens closed as a precaution. Officials are concerned that Cavalcante may attempt to break into homes, especially with many owners away for the Labor Day weekend. A homeowner on Ballintree Lane reported encountering a man matching Cavalcante’s description during an attempted burglary on Friday night. Residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant, keep all doors and windows locked, and thoroughly check their properties for any signs of Cavalcante.
The search for Cavalcante has prompted the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel, joining the existing agencies involved in the manhunt. Longwood Gardens will remain closed until further notice.
As the search for the escaped prisoner continues, families and businesses in the area are taking extra safety precautions. It is crucial to stay updated on the progress of the search and follow the guidance provided by law enforcement officials to ensure the safety of the community.