Escaped Convict Spotted on Surveillance Cameras Near Pennsylvania Prison

A recently convicted murderer who had managed to evade authorities after a daring escape from a suburban Philadelphia prison has been captured on residential security cameras. The fugitive, Danelo Cavalcante, 34, had successfully eluded law enforcement since his escape on Thursday morning from Chester State Prison, situated near Philadelphia. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his escape.

Cavalcante, who was sentenced to life imprisonment last month for the brutal killing of his ex-girlfriend in the presence of her children, managed to flee while awaiting transfer to a state prison. He was observed on surveillance cameras at approximately 12:30 a.m. in Pocopson Township, located around 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) away from the prison, according to a statement from the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

In another development, local law enforcement received a report of an attempted burglary at a residence around 11:30 p.m. on Friday. However, it remains unclear whether Cavalcante was involved in this incident.

The district attorney’s office has confirmed that Cavalcante’s physical appearance has remained unchanged since his escape. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, carrying a backpack, and had distinctive curly black hair, as well as a closely cropped beard and mustache. Standing at 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and weighing 120 pounds (54 kilograms), Cavalcante has also attracted attention in his native Brazil for a separate slaying in 2017, and authorities classify him as an extremely dangerous individual.

Cavalcante had been found guilty by a jury of the murder of Deborah Brandao in 2021. Prosecutors assert that he killed his girlfriend to prevent her from revealing his criminal charges in Brazil to the authorities. Following Brandao’s murder, he was apprehended in Virginia, suggesting an attempt to flee back to his home country.

To locate Cavalcante, law enforcement agencies have employed a range of resources, including drones, helicopters, and trained canines. The search effort has focused on transportation routes such as railways and waterways, with the prison located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Philadelphia.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan commented that authorities suspect Cavalcante is attempting to head south but acknowledged that there is no concrete evidence of his departure from the vicinity or any assistance he might be receiving. In an effort to aid the search, residents are urged to review footage from their doorbell or surveillance cameras for any unusual activity. Authorities have also advised checking properties for any signs of the fugitive, including missing vehicles, bikes, or other potential means of escape.

Additionally, the U.S. Marshals fugitive task force has communicated with the Brazilian consulate about Cavalcante’s escape. This incident marks another instance of an inmate eluding custody from a Pennsylvania correctional facility this year. In an unrelated event, a suspect in a homicide case managed to evade capture for over a week after escaping from Warren County jail in July. This suspect used improvised tools to flee, but was eventually apprehended while attempting to avoid arrest by living in the wilderness.

Similarly, in May, two inmates broke out of the Philadelphia Industrial Correction Center by cutting a hole in a fence surrounding a recreation yard. They remained at large for nearly 19 hours before being apprehended the following week.

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• Convicted murderer escapes from Pennsylvania prison
• Danelo Cavalcante’s escape prompts manhunt
• Details about Cavalcante’s conviction and escape
• Authorities classify Cavalcante as extremely dangerous
• Law enforcement efforts to locate Cavalcante
• Tips for residents to aid in the search
• Recent prison escapes in Pennsylvania
• Communication with Brazilian consulate regarding escape