Convicted Murderer Who Escaped Pennsylvania Prison Apprehended After Two-Week Manhunt

After an intense two-week search, authorities in Pennsylvania announced the successful capture of Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who had managed to escape from Chester County Prison. The Pennsylvania State Police held a news conference to provide details of his capture, which occurred without incident in a wooded area within the perimeter established by law enforcement. Cavalcante, who had been on the run since August 31, was taken into custody by members of a dedicated task force around 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Images from the scene showed officers in camouflage escorting Cavalcante, who was wearing a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt.

Cavalcante’s escape had sent shockwaves through the community, particularly after he stole a rifle from a garage in Chester County and fled while shots were fired at him by the homeowner. His original escape from Chester County Prison involved a daring climb up a wall to the roof area, a method previously used by another inmate in May. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding Cavalcante’s escape, given the prison’s history of similar incidents. The escape is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

Cavalcante, a 34-year-old Brazilian national, was convicted of first-degree murder just last month and sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal killing of his former girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in April 2021. His escape led to widespread concern due to his dangerous background, with the U.S. Marshal Service linking him to a homicide in Brazil. Throughout the manhunt, law enforcement agencies described him as “extremely dangerous,” resulting in school closures and temporary shelter-in-place orders in the area. The search, which initially focused on the vicinity of Longwood Gardens, eventually led to the discovery of key evidence, including discarded prison shoes matching mud prints found near Route 100, further aiding in his capture.

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