Escaped Convicted Murderer Sparks School Closures in Pennsylvania
Authorities in Pennsylvania have taken the extraordinary step of closing several schools as they intensify their efforts to capture Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from prison on August 31. This desperate manhunt has been ongoing, with Cavalcante, a Brazilian national, spotted twice overnight on Monday, as police continue their tireless search. He had recently been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend.
Manhunt Intensifies as Convicted Murderer Remains at Large
Danelo Cavalcante, aged 34, managed to escape from Chester County Prison by scaling the building’s roof on August 31. He had been serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, just a month prior. His daring escape triggered a widespread search operation, initially focused on the dense forests surrounding the prison in West Chester.
Expanded Search and Desperate Measures
The search area expanded significantly as surveillance cameras recorded Cavalcante in Longwood Gardens on two occasions on Monday night. The CCTV footage shows him navigating thick foliage, often wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt and carrying an over-the-shoulder bag. Authorities believe he is moving under the cover of night and seeking shelter during the day in areas with dense underbrush. This challenging terrain and numerous potential hiding spots, including sheds, have complicated the search efforts.
Authorities Remain Determined and Innovative
Robert Clark, supervisor of the US Marshals Service task force for eastern Pennsylvania, described Cavalcante as “desperate and dangerous.” Law enforcement is sparing no effort, employing thermal imaging technology, drones, dogs, and audio messages recorded by Cavalcante’s mother to encourage him to surrender. They have also obtained a federal arrest warrant in case he attempts to cross state lines.
Community on High Alert
Local residents have been urged to exercise vigilance, lock their homes and windows, and stay cautious. The situation has prompted the closure of schools in two districts within the expanded search area. Authorities hope that the emotional plea from Cavalcante’s mother may persuade him to surrender peacefully.
Cavalcante’s Dark Past
Cavalcante’s life sentence was a result of his conviction for the 2021 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in front of her two young children. His arrest came just hours after the gruesome crime, as he fled to Virginia. The district attorney’s office believes that Brandao had discovered his involvement in a 2017 murder in Brazil, leading her to threaten to expose him to the police, setting off the tragic chain of events.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Reuters
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