Massive Manhunt Continues for Escaped Murderer in Chester County, Pennsylvania
EAST NANTMEAL TWP., Pennsylvania – The search for escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante has entered its third week, with law enforcement engaged in a massive manhunt in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Despite an intense search effort involving over 500 officers, Cavalcante has managed to elude capture, possibly even enduring harsh weather conditions.
Cavalcante, who broke out of the Chester County Prison on August 31, is believed to still be within the search perimeter established by authorities. The latest lead emerged when he stole a rifle from a garage and fled a homeowner’s gunfire on Monday night. The armed homeowner fired several shots at Cavalcante, but it is unclear if he was hit.
Since the incident, heavily armed police, including a border patrol tactical team, have descended upon the South Coventry Township area. Roads have been closed, and residents have been advised to lock their doors, windows, cars, and outbuildings for their safety. Video footage from Chopper 6 showed armed crews in tactical gear combing through fields, forests, and backyards in search of Cavalcante.
The most recent sighting of Cavalcante was around 8 p.m. on Monday when a motorist saw a man crouched along the woodline on the south side of Fairview Road in East Nantmeal Township. The motorist turned around for a second look, but by then, Cavalcante had disappeared. Pennsylvania State Police and a border patrol tactical team responded to the scene and found footprints matching the prison shoes Cavalcante was wearing.
As the search continues, a new perimeter has been established, bordered by Route 23 to the North, Route 100 to the east, Fairview and Nantmeal roads to the south, and Iron Bridge and County Park roads to the west. This expanded search area covers a three-mile radius to the east and west and two miles north and south.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to secure their properties. Governor Josh Shapiro visited the command center in Unionville and reassured the community that all efforts are being made to ensure their safety. Shapiro also emphasized the importance of keeping doors locked, cars secured, and valuable items stored away.
Due to the ongoing manhunt, all schools and offices in the Owen J. Roberts School District will be closed on Wednesday.
The reward for information leading to Cavalcante’s capture has now grown to $25,000. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens issued a stern warning to anyone who may be helping Cavalcante evade capture, stating that they will be fully prosecuted. However, Bivens also mentioned that those who assist in facilitating Cavalcante’s safe capture could be eligible for a portion or all of the reward.
Authorities have defended their efforts in the search, stating that the search area includes challenging terrain with deep woods, underground tunnels, and drainage ditches. Cavalcante had previously slipped out of an earlier search area and stole a dairy delivery van before abandoning it more than 20 miles away.
State police are authorized to use deadly force if Cavalcante does not actively surrender, and other involved agencies may have their own rules regarding the use of force.
Law enforcement officials believe Cavalcante is desperate for help as he reaches out to individuals with whom he hasn’t spoken in years. They believe he lacks a strong network of support and resources, making it unlikely for him to evade capture for long.
Cavalcante’s sister was arrested by immigration authorities for overstaying her legally allowed period of stay. Law enforcement had no reason to allow her to remain in the United States as she was not cooperating with the investigation.
Cavalcante, 34, was serving a life sentence for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in 2021. Prosecutors allege that he killed her to prevent her from informing the police about his involvement in another murder in his home country of Brazil in 2017.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Cavalcante’s whereabouts to contact 911 or the police tip line at 717-562-2987.
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.