Massive Manhunt Underway for Escaped Prisoner Who Brutally Killed Ex-Girlfriend
Pennsylvania authorities are conducting a large-scale manhunt for a prisoner who escaped from Chester County Prison last week. The escapee, Danelo Souza Cavalcante, was convicted just last month for the brutal 2021 stabbing of his ex-girlfriend in front of her two young children.
Authorities believe Cavalcante escaped the facility by climbing onto the roof and fleeing from there. The manhunt initially focused on the area surrounding the prison, but recently expanded after he was spotted in trail camera footage in Chester County. As a result, two school districts have canceled classes.
Described as extremely dangerous and desperate not to get caught, Cavalcante is a Brazil native standing roughly 5 feet tall with long, curly black hair and brown eyes. The US Marshals Service also revealed that he is wanted in a 2017 homicide case in Brazil. Authorities have urged residents in areas near the prison to remain vigilant by keeping their doors locked, staying indoors, checking on each other, and monitoring their security cameras.
A reward of $10,000 is being offered for any information leading to Cavalcante’s arrest.
The killing of Cavalcante’s ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandão, occurred on April 18, 2021. The Chester County district attorney’s office stated that Cavalcante arrived at Brandão’s home and proceeded to assault and stab her 38 times, causing her to bleed to death. Her two children ran to neighbors for help while Cavalcante fled the scene.
Brandão’s 7-year-old daughter, who witnessed the attack, told police that Cavalcante threatened to kill her during the assault. The daughter’s testimony proved crucial in Cavalcante’s prosecution.
Cavalcante was arrested several hours later in Virginia, as he attempted to flee to Mexico with plans to eventually reach Brazil. In August 2023, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
During the trial, Cavalcante’s attorneys argued that he was provoked and acted in the heat of passion. However, the prosecution described his actions as “cold, calculated, and heinous.”
As the search for Cavalcante continues, authorities have urged residents in Pocopson Township to take precautions, including locking doors and cars. They emphasize that Cavalcante is considered extremely dangerous and has already taken a life. Recent sightings of him in the area have prompted an expanded search, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The manhunt for Cavalcante highlights the urgency to apprehend him before he can harm anyone else.