Pennsylvania state police revealed on Wednesday morning, September 13, that Danelo Cavalcante, who had escaped from Chester County Prison and dodged arrest for almost two weeks, had been recaptured alive.
Authorities in South Coventry Township were observed maintaining a perimeter late on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
The Hunt Is Over
According to a law enforcement source cited by Fox News, state police and US Border Patrol teams apprehended Cavalcante on Monday night, September 11, near the residence from where he had stolen a .22-caliber rifle equipped with a mounted scope and flashlight from an open garage. Reportedly, the homeowner chased after Cavalcante with a revolver but missed him.
The State Police of Pennsylvania advised locals to shelter in place and safeguard their homes and vehicles. Government agents have previously described Cavalcante as armed and "extremely dangerous."
The hunt for Cavalcante attracted more than 500 police officers from various local, state, and federal agencies. The search party had to go across a lot of rough, forested terrain.
Because of the hunt, numerous districts had to cancel classes for several days to ensure the safety of their students and staff.
Following the conclusion of the search, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline issued a joint statement declaring that urgent modifications had been made to the Chester County Prison.
"Chester County Prison officials have made some immediate changes to bolster security in the prison, have brought in security contractors to make permanent changes to the exercise yards, and are reviewing and - where needed - changing procedures for both security measures and communication to residents who live close to the prison."
The commissioners expressed appreciation to all who assisted them throughout the search, including law enforcement, community members, companies, and educational institutions.
Escape From Jail
On August 31, 34-year-old Cavalcante escaped from a prison in Chester County.
Last week, authorities revealed footage of Cavalcante's escape, in which the convicted murderer can be seen "crab-walking" up a wall. Once outside, he allegedly sprinted over the roof, climbed another fence, and pushed through additional razor wire.
Cavalcante has been in federal prison since 2021 when he was given a life sentence for murdering his ex-girlfriend. He stabbed the victim 38 times in front of their children.
He was also sought for the 2017 murder of a man in Brazil over unpaid car repair bills. According to reports, he was in the US without proper documentation.
During the manhunt, authorities had been using a helicopter to broadcast a message from Cavalcante's mother, Iracema. She was asking her son to turn himself in throughout the search.
Fox News said Iracema did not deny his role in the 2021 murder of his ex-girlfriend in Pennsylvania or the 2017 murder of a man in Brazil, but she said that maybe his death would be preferable to a life behind bars.
