Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a 34-year-old Brazilian national convicted of murder, has recently escaped from Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania. As law enforcement steps up their search, here are the most searched questions about the escape and Cavalcante’s background.
Who is Danelo Souza Cavalcante?
Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a Brazilian national fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish, was convicted of the brutal murder of Deborah Brandao, whom he stabbed 38 times in 2021. Cavalcante was raised in Brazil and faced an arrest warrant there for another alleged murder in 2017. At 5 feet and with light complexion, curly black hair, and brown eyes, he is considered highly dangerous. Cavalcante first met Brandao through mutual friends; soon thereafter their relationship progressed into cohabitation which involved Brandao’s two children as well.
How did Cavalcante escape prison?
The circumstances around Cavalcante’s escape from Chester State Prison on 31 August remain unclear. Authorities have not disclosed the specific details of his breakout. A thorough investigation into the escape is underway, both inside the prison with internal checks and within the surrounding areas. Initial announcements from the Chester County’s district attorney’s office stated that a search was being conducted in and around the prison.
Where was Cavalcante last seen?
The most recent sighting of Cavalcante was at Longwood Gardens in East Marlborough Township, Chester County. On September 4th at 8:21 and again at 9:33, two cameras caught him twice during his escape, using both a backpack and hooded sweatshirt in order to escape. Cavalcante was spotted traveling through various intersections in Pocopson Township, and there have been reported burglaries in the vicinity, although not yet directly linked to him.
What are authorities doing about the escape?
An expansive manhunt has been launched, assisted by various law enforcement teams including US Marshals, SWAT and other federal agencies. Chester County Detectives and Pennsylvania State Police have widen their search perimeter and initiated county-wide searches; while helicopters, drones and other resources are being employed specifically near prison. A combined reward of $10,000 has been announced.
What measures are residents being advised to take?
Given the heightened danger, DA Deb Ryan has advised residents to remain indoors, lock their vehicles, and review their surveillance footage. Residents living within six-miles of the prison have also been encouraged to contact police immediately if they notice anything suspicious, and notifications have been sent out regarding this escape attempt.
What’s Cavalcante’s connection to Deborah Brandao?
Cavalcante and Deborah Brandao began their relationship after meeting through mutual friends. Not long after, they started living together along with Brandao’s two children. However, their relationship was fraught with instances of domestic abuse, as Cavalcante was reported to have assaulted Brandao multiple times. His final attack on Brandao resulted in her death after he stabbed her 38 times, allegedly to prevent her from reporting his outstanding arrest warrant in Brazil.
What is the message being broadcasted by police helicopters?
In a unique tactic, law enforcement is broadcasting a message from Cavalcante’s mother in Portuguese from helicopters and patrol cars. Robert Clark, supervisory deputy US Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, explained the strategy, hoping Cavalcante might be influenced by his mother’s plea to surrender peacefully. The exact wording of the message hasn’t been shared, but it emphasizes the family’s love for Cavalcante and their wish for him to turn himself in.
The situation remains tense, with Cavalcante on the run. As the manhunt continues, authorities are urging the public to assist in any way they can to ensure the swift capture of this dangerous individual.
