Authorities released more details on how they captured Danelo Cavalcante. Governor Josh Shapiro spoke at a press conference at the Po-Mar-Lin Fire company in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania after the news broke that they had captured Danelo Cavalcante.
Gov. Shapiro said, “Thanks to the extraordinary work of law enforcement officials here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, local leaders in Chester County, and our federal partners all across this nation, shortly after 8 am, our suspect was captured.” He revealed that no further injuries occurred. That came as a relief after the news about the stolen weapon. Gov. Shapiro said, “I believe they are the finest law enforcement agency in the United States of America.” -Shapiro
Lt. Col. George Bivens spoke about how tips within the perimeter helped law enforcement to narrow their search on Tuesday night. It began when a burglar alarm went off at a local residence, bringing extra attention to the area near Prizer Road.
The law enforcement refocused a nearby search after the development. They shifted to an area just north of PA-100 and west of Prizer Road just west of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Tactical teams detected a heat source that eventually led them to the conclusion of the manhunt.
The Search Delayed
Weather delayed the search, but law enforcement moved in quietly with an “element of surprise” that helped the capture. Cavalcante suffered a “minor bite wound” from a police dog.
Lt. Col. George Bivens said, “Cavalcante, as I said, was taken into custody. He was transported to our Avondale station for further processing and interviews, and he will ultimately be transferred to a state correctional institute where he will be housed and begin to serve his life sentence.”
Both officials thanked the residents of Chester County for their vigilance to help law enforcement during the search. District Attorney Deb Ryan and Police Colonel Christopher Paris also spoke with gratitude for the first responders and citizens and relief for the safety after the capture.
The frantic search for the escaped prisoner has caused hysteria in parts of Chester County for the past two weeks. The situation finally appears resolved after a period of danger.
The Search For The Escaped Pennsylvania Prisoner: Photos
The search for the Pennsylvania escaped prisoner, Danelo Souza Cavalcante received national attention. He escaped from the Chester County Prison on Thursday, August 31, 2023. This was after he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the first-degree murder of his former girlfriend. Cavalcante was going to be moved to another state prison but escaped before he was transferred.
Cavalcante is 5 feet tall, 120 pounds, and has brown eyes and long dark curly hair. He was wearing a prison-issued uniform when he escaped: a white T-shirt, white sneakers, and green pants. He was also wearing a backpack.
Officials warned residents that he is extremely dangerous. A reward of $25,000 was also offered for information leading to his arrest.
Danelo Cavalcante, 34 years old, was convicted of killing his former girlfriend in Schuylkill Township in 2021. He stabbed her 38 times while her two young children were present. He is also wanted for a 2017 murder in his native Brazil and allegedly killed his former girlfriend to keep her from telling police about his wanted status in Brazil. He landed in Pennsylvania via Puerto Rico after reportedly obtaining a fake ID.
Officials are using tactics to stress the escaped prisoner with the hope he will surrender and turn himself in.
On Monday, September 4th, Pennsylvania State Police took over the investigation. At that time there were 4 sightings of Cavalcante since he escaped.
As of Tuesday, September 12, the day 13 of the manhunt, Cavalcante has slipped the permitter at Longwood Gardens, stolen a van, moved north, and stolen a rifle.
Even Dog The Bounty Hunter is said to be following the manhunt and was thinking of joining the efforts to locate Cavalcante.
Before that could happen, on the morning of, Wednesday, September 13th, day 14 of the manhunt, Cavalcante was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police.
Rachel PItts is a 20+ year radio veteran covers all things Philly for Beasley Media Group Philadelphia as the Digital Program Director. This includes 97.5 The Fanatic, WMMR, WMGK, 92.5 XTU and BEN FM. A graduate from the Universaity of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications with a focus in Public Relations. Previously was the Digital Program Director for Beasley Media Group Tampa. Has been the co-host of "Theme Parks & Rec Podcast" and of the Tampa Bay Lightning backed podcast called, "Game Mizconduct".
