Convicted Murderer on the Run Evades Capture Again, Residents Live in Fear
The search for convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante continues as he manages to evade police capture for the eighth day. Cavalcante escaped from the Chester County Prison in rural Pennsylvania on August 31, sparking a manhunt that has unnerved county residents. Despite multiple sightings, including one this week in Pennsbury Township, authorities have been unable to apprehend Cavalcante.
On Tuesday night, a resident spotted Cavalcante in a creek bed in the Chandler Road area of Pennsbury Township. However, before police could reach the scene, he fled into the woods, making it difficult for search teams to locate him. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens explained that the search has been challenging due to the dense woodlands and residential properties in the area, providing ample hiding spots.
The ongoing search has drawn attention to the prison’s security measures and protocols. It was revealed that Cavalcante used a similar strategy to another prisoner who escaped just months ago. Surveillance video captured Cavalcante “crab walking” between two walls in an exercise yard. He then ran across a roof, scaled another fence, and navigated through razor wire, all without being detected by the prison’s monitoring systems.
The tower guard on duty during Cavalcante’s escape is now on administrative leave while an investigation takes place. The escape has prompted concerns about the effectiveness of the 160 cameras at the prison. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the prison’s security measures, leading authorities to consider additional safeguards, including the potential addition of a guard to the exercise yard.
Cavalcante, a convicted first-degree murderer, was found guilty of fatally stabbing his former girlfriend, Deborah Brandão, in Chester County. Since his escape, Brandão’s sister, who lives in the area, has expressed fear for her safety and the safety of her sister’s two children, who are under her care. Cavalcante is also wanted in connection with a 2017 homicide case in Brazil.
Law enforcement agencies, including search dogs, have been involved in the hunt for Cavalcante. The extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures and humidity, have added further challenges to the search efforts. Although footprints and other indicators have confirmed Cavalcante’s presence in the area, authorities have not managed to recover any belongings or evidence left behind by him.
The search for Cavalcante has had a significant impact on the community. Two school districts in the area canceled classes for part of the week, with some set to resume on Thursday. Residents have been advised to ensure their doors and vehicles are locked for their safety.
As the manhunt continues, county officials have pledged to enhance security measures to prevent future escapes. The prison has acknowledged the need for improvements in the human element of security, not just the physical infrastructure. An investigation will also be conducted to determine whether Cavalcante and another previous escapee from the same prison, Igor Bolte, had any connection.
Despite the authorities’ efforts, Cavalcante remains at large, and the community remains on high alert. Authorities are expected to provide an update on the search efforts later today.