A manhunt is currently underway for Danelo Cavalcante, a 34-year-old illegal alien from Brazil, who escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31. The fugitive, convicted of a gruesome murder less than three weeks before his escape, is considered extremely dangerous, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant.
Cavalcante’s escape was discovered on August 31, and he has since eluded authorities. Surveillance footage captured him just 1.5 miles from the prison on September 2, raising concerns about his whereabouts. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for him, offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to his capture.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan issued a statement advising residents in the area to stay indoors, lock their vehicles, review surveillance cameras, and contact the police immediately if they observe anything suspicious. Authorities have emphasized that approaching Cavalcante is not recommended due to his dangerous nature.
The criminal’s recent conviction stemmed from a horrific incident in April 2021, during which Cavalcante murdered 33-year-old Deborah Brandao in front of her 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. Brandao had discovered that Cavalcante was wanted in Brazil for a 2017 murder and had threatened to report him.
According to prosecutors, Cavalcante brutally attacked Brandao, pulling her by her hair to the ground and stabbing her more than a dozen times. Despite her pleas for help, a neighbor arrived too late to save her life. After fleeing the scene, Cavalcante attempted to escape to Mexico and then back to Brazil but was apprehended by police in Virginia before reaching the southern border.
Cavalcante’s journey to the United States reportedly began after he allegedly committed the 2017 murder in Brazil and a warrant for his arrest was issued in June 2018. He is believed to have illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border.
With the fugitive still at large, law enforcement agencies are sparing no effort to track down Danelo Cavalcante. Residents are urged to exercise caution and immediately report any potential sightings or information that could aid in his capture.
