Escaped Convict Danelo Cavalcante Evades Police Perimeter as Manhunt Intensifies

Authorities in Pennsylvania have escalated efforts in the relentless manhunt for escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante, after he was recently spotted in a stolen van that was later found abandoned. The escapee, who has been on the run since August 31st, managed to alter his appearance, eluding capture despite an extensive search operation.

Cavalcante’s escape from a suburban Philadelphia prison triggered a massive search operation, with numerous reported sightings. The most recent sightings placed him in Phoenixville, more than 20 miles northeast of the Longwood Gardens botanical park area where a perimeter had been established, but ultimately failed to contain him.

State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens acknowledged the challenges of maintaining an airtight perimeter, stating, “No perimeter is 100% secure, ever. I’m not going to make an excuse… I wish it had not happened.”

Law enforcement authorities initially reported that Cavalcante was operating a white 2020 Ford Transit van equipped with a refrigeration unit. However, the van was later discovered abandoned in a field.

A video doorbell at the residence of a former associate of Cavalcante captured an image of the fugitive, who had previously sported a beard, now clean-shaven. He was seen wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, a black baseball-style hat, green prison pants, and white shoes.

Authorities have issued a stark warning, considering Cavalcante, 34, extremely dangerous with little to lose. He is facing a potential life sentence following his conviction last month for the murder of his girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, 33. Prosecutors detailed how he brutally stabbed her multiple times in front of her young children. Cavalcante made his escape while being temporarily held at Chester County Prison, approximately 25 miles west of Philadelphia, awaiting transfer to a state prison.

The ease of his escape was facilitated by keys left inside the stolen van, enabling Cavalcante to abscond with it. Baily’s Dairy, the van’s owner, confirmed the theft in a Facebook post, expressing disappointment that the fugitive breached the perimeter at Longwood. The dairy thanked the community and law enforcement for their support and ongoing efforts in the investigation.

Security footage captured Cavalcante’s daring escape, during which he was seen “crab-walking” up a wall before pushing through razor wire and running across a roof. The escape occurred while his prisoner block was in the exercise yard. An officer in a tower who failed to notice his departure has been placed on administrative leave, according to Chester County Prison acting Warden Howard Holland.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the razor wire was inadequate, prompting officials to plan for enhanced security measures, including physical barriers and increased staff, to prevent future escapes.

In addition to the murder conviction in the United States, Cavalcante is also wanted in connection with a 2017 murder in Brazil. Authorities in his native country allege that he fatally stabbed a 20-year-old man over a car repair debt. Investigators have determined that Cavalcante’s motive for murdering Deborah Brandao stemmed from her discovery of his open murder warrant in Brazil, as she had threatened to expose him to the police. The Chester County district attorney’s office has confirmed these details.