The police are currently on a manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante, an ‘extremely dangerous’ convicted murderer who managed to escape a Pennsylvania prison, on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Danelo was convicted on August 16 of life in prison over the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Deborah Brandao. Before his escape, he was awaiting transfer to a state facility.
Where Was Danelo Cavalcante Last Seen?
Authorities have disclosed that the 34-year-old individual was last observed heading southbound along South Wawaset Road in Pocopson Township. This occurred while he was dressed in a white T-shirt and grey shorts at 9:40 a.m. on Thursday. District Attorney Deb Ryan, in a statement to USA TODAY, characterized Danelo Cavalcante as an exceedingly dangerous individual. Additionally, Ryan conveyed to CNN that the suspect possessed exceptional skills in eluding law enforcement, willing to go to great lengths to evade capture.
As the search operation by authorities persists, the US Marshals have reportedly announced a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the apprehension of this convicted inmate. Meanwhile, via a statement on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Chester County Government assured the public that law enforcement personnel were diligently combing the neighbourhood in pursuit of the suspect. They urged citizens to dial 911 promptly if they happen to spot him in the vicinity.
Chester County Government emphasized their unwavering commitment, stating, “Police, detectives, and prison personnel are deploying all available resources, including helicopters and trained dogs, in the relentless pursuit of Danelo Cavalcante. We will not cease our efforts until he is safely back in custody. If you encounter an individual matching his description or observe any suspicious activity, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 immediately.”
Has Danelo Cavalcante Been Found Yet?
At the time of writing this post, Danelo was still on the run. During a press conference held on Thursday, District Attorney Deb Ryan voiced apprehensions regarding potential assistance the suspect may be receiving from friends and family, given that he had received aid from others in 2021 when he committed a fatal stabbing of his girlfriend.
Danelo Cavalcante was convicted of first-degree murder on August 16 for the killing of his former girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in the Phoenixville area back in 2021.
Ryan disclosed that Danelo Cavalcante, who had been in a relationship with the victim Brandao for approximately a year, was involved in domestic violence incidents in the months leading up to the murder.
In the press conference, Ryan revealed the horrific details of the crime: the suspect brutally stabbed the victim 38 times in broad daylight while her 4-year-old and 7-year-old children looked on in horror. Subsequently, the suspect fled the scene but received assistance from family and friends before being captured in Virginia. Ryan stated:
“He brutally stabbed her 38 times in broad daylight in front of her 4-year-old and 7-year-old. He managed to escape, with the aid of family and friends. Virginia State Police apprehended him later that day. Chester County detectives traced him through a ping order and recovered the murder weapon.”
During the press conference, Ryan issued a stern warning that anyone found aiding the suspect would face prosecution. She stated:
“This is a matter of utmost concern. If there are any family members or friends actively involved in assisting him at this time, they will also be subject to prosecution. We expect their full cooperation with law enforcement, as law enforcement has already been in contact with them.”
Furthermore, Ryan added that authorities are presently conducting an investigation to determine if the inmate had received assistance in escaping from the prison.
