Escaped Prisoner Danelo Cavalcante Captured After Two-Week Manhunt
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) — Danelo Cavalcante, an escaped prisoner and convicted killer, has been captured by a tactical team of Pennsylvania State Police and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The capture took place in a wooded area of South Coventry Township on Wednesday morning, ending a two-week manhunt for the dangerous criminal. Cavalcante had escaped from Chester County Prison at the end of August and managed to evade law enforcement personnel for weeks.
Authorities revealed that Cavalcante was still armed with a stolen .22 caliber rifle when he was found. As tactical units closed in on him, Cavalcante attempted to crawl away through the brush, but he was quickly apprehended when a K-9 unit bit him and held him down. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported during the capture.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan expressed her relief that the manhunt had come to an end, stating, “Our nightmare is finally over and the good guys won.” Ryan, who had personally worked on Cavalcante’s murder trial, also shared her concerns for her own safety and the safety of her loved ones during the manhunt, as Cavalcante’s path was close to her residence.
The capture of Cavalcante was made possible by tips from the public and the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens explained that the breakthrough came when a burglar alarm went off in a house near the search perimeter. While investigating the alarm, authorities picked up a heat signal from Cavalcante, which led them to his location.
Governor Josh Shapiro commended the “excellence in law enforcement” displayed throughout the manhunt and expressed his pride in the professionals who worked tirelessly to capture Cavalcante. He also thanked members of the public who provided tips and remained vigilant during the search.
Among the first people to be informed about Cavalcante’s capture were the family members of Deborah Brandao, Cavalcante’s ex-girlfriend whom he had murdered in 2021. Cavalcante had been set to be transferred to a state correctional institution following his conviction, but he managed to escape before the transfer took place.
Prior to his escape, Cavalcante’s defense attorneys had filed a motion seeking a new trial or a new sentence, claiming insufficient evidence for a first-degree murder conviction. However, the motion was quickly denied by Judge Patrick Carmody, who emphasized the heinous nature of Cavalcante’s crime.
The manhunt for Cavalcante had put Chester County on edge for two weeks, as he was spotted multiple times by residents and law enforcement. He had managed to break through the perimeter set up by authorities by utilizing an underground tunnel or drainage ditch at Longwood Gardens. The search then shifted to northern Chester County after Cavalcante stole a van, and he later changed his appearance and stole a rifle from a homeowner.
With Cavalcante now in custody, normalcy is returning to the affected areas. Owen J. Roberts School District, which had closed during the manhunt, announced that classes would resume on Thursday.
Authorities have pledged to prosecute anyone who assisted Cavalcante during his time on the run. Cavalcante’s sister, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has been entered into a deportation proceeding. Chester County officials and Governor Shapiro have warned that anyone found to have aided Cavalcante will face legal consequences.
Cavalcante’s escape is not the first instance of a prisoner evading custody in Pennsylvania this year. Earlier this year, Michael Burham escaped from Warren County Jail and was captured after more than a week. In Philadelphia, two inmates escaped from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center but were apprehended after several days on the run.