Authorities in Westchester, Pennsylvania, are in the midst of an extensive manhunt for Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a 34-year-old convicted murderer who escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31. Cavalcante had been serving a life sentence for the 2021 fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors revealed that he fled to avoid his ex-girlfriend reporting his involvement in a murder in his home country of Brazil.
Described as extremely dangerous, Cavalcante has eluded capture for over a week, with law enforcement agencies launching a massive search effort. Recent reports indicate two confirmed sightings of the fugitive on Friday, both within the vicinity of the now-closed Longwood Gardens botanical garden in East Marlborough Township. This location has been a focal point in the search, as Cavalcante has been spotted there multiple times.
Authorities believe that Cavalcante has managed to acquire clothing and supplies during his time on the run. The search effort involves around 400 personnel, including tactical teams, tracking dogs, officers on horseback, and aircraft. Longwood Gardens, a sprawling 200-acre botanical garden, remains closed indefinitely due to the ongoing search.
Despite the manhunt, officials in Kennett Square, approximately 10 kilometers away from the prison, decided to proceed with the annual mushroom festival scheduled for the weekend. They assured festival-goers that necessary safety measures were in place, emphasizing the importance of community gatherings during challenging times.
The escape has prompted action within the prison system, with the firing of the tower guard on duty when Cavalcante made his daring escape. The incident went unnoticed for over an hour until a headcount revealed the absence of the inmate. Additionally, the guard was found to have violated jail protocol by having a personal cellphone in his possession at the time.
A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Cavalcante’s capture, drawing international attention to the case, particularly in Brazil. The escapee’s home country is also pursuing criminal charges against him, alleging his involvement in a double homicide related to a debt dispute. This case is being handled by a specialized court focused on combating violence against women and crimes against life.
