Manhunt for escaped Chester County inmate Danelo Souza Cavalcante continues; schools close

Amethyst Martinez and Amanda Fries, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·4 min read
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Businesses and schools have announced closures out of precaution amid the ongoing manhunt for Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped Chester County Prison late last week.

Cavalcante, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole for stabbing 33-year-old Deborah Brandao to death in 2021 while her 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son were present, was awaiting transfer to a state facility when he escaped Thursday.

This is the second escape from Chester County Prison this year. Igor Bolte, 30, escaped the county prison on May 19, but was caught nearby hours later, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Has Danelo Souza Cavalcante been spotted?

Several credible sightings of Cavalcante have occurred in the area, according to a Chester County District Attorney press release.

U.S. Marshals and local officials offered a $10,000 reward leading to Danelo Souza Cavalcante's capture as the manhunt for him entered its second day.
U.S. Marshals and local officials offered a $10,000 reward leading to Danelo Souza Cavalcante's capture as the manhunt for him entered its second day.

Longwood Gardens, which closed on Sunday due to the manhunt, also notified police of two sightings on their trail cameras Monday night, confirming he has not altered his appearance and he was outside of the original perimeter set. Cavalcante is considered dangerous.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

DETAILS: Danelo Cavalcante press conference livestream: Police share update on escaped Pennsylvania prisoner

Where is the search concentrated?

Several side streets along Route 1 between U.S. Route 202 and Route 52 were closed off Tuesday as law enforcement continued searching for Cavalcante.

During a Tuesday morning news conference, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said the search is concentrated along Rt. 926, also known as Street Road, at Route 52 North, and east to Parkersville Road.

A helicopter could be seen from Route 1 circling the wooded and residential areas near Longwood Gardens Tuesday afternoon.

The horticultural venue has over 1,000 acres of gardens, green space and wooded areas, and is located about 10 miles south of Chester County Prison where Cavalcante escaped six days ago.

While an affluent community over an hour outside of Philadelphia, it is primarily rural with large homes accompanied by extensive acreage, horse and other farms and wildlife preserves.

Police during a news conference acknowledged the challenging terrain, with a U.S. Marshall stating the roughly two-mile search radius is "heavily, heavily wooded" and has "a lot of hiding spots and ravines."

Cavalcante convicted in the murder of Deborah Brandao

Cavalcante, 34, escaped from the prison on Thursday, about 40 miles from Philadelphia. His escape comes a week after Cavalcante was sentenced to life in prison without parole for fatally stabbing Brandao.

Prosecutors have said he killed Brandao to stop her from telling police about the charges against him in Brazil in connection with a 2017 slaying. He was captured in Virginia after Brandao’s killing and authorities say they believe he was trying to return to Brazil.

The Chester County District Attorney's office announced up to a $10,000 reward for information on Cavalcante.

Although this is the second prison escape in three months, county officials declined to comment on the investigation into how Cavalcante escaped.

Chester County District Attorney Deborah Ryan said the goal is to "find and capture" Cavalcante.

Authorities continue to investigate what led to Cavalcante's escape, Ryan said, adding that the prison is "aware of vulnerabilities" and have "made corrections."

School closures

Two school districts have announced closures Tuesday in response to the manhunt: The Kennett Consolidated School District, and the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District.

In a Chester County District Attorney's press release on Tuesday, police said they will be working with the districts in the upcoming days to determine next steps.

West Chester University announced on Monday that classes will still be in session Tuesday after all remaining classes on Friday were canceled due to the manhunt.

Business closures

Police asked nearby businesses and residences to check security cameras in case of additional sightings.

Longwood Gardens, where Cavalcante was spotted Monday night, closed Sunday due to the recommendation of authorities, according to their X (formerly known as Twitter) account. However, Longwood Gardens was open on Labor Day, though guests were limited to certain grounds. They plan to reopen Wednesday, as Tuesday closures are a part of their routine schedule.

Businesses located on the outskirts of the manhunt, including those in downtown Kennett Square, and an ACE Hardware on Pocopson Road about 3.5 miles from the prison, appeared to operate as usual Tuesday.

What should local residents do?

Authorities asked residents in the area for vigilance, and to lock their homes, outbuildings and vehicles during the manhunt for Cavalcante.

Homeowners who may be returning from vacation should check their home and property thoroughly to ensure nothing has been taken or amiss, police said.

People with information as to Cavalcante's whereabouts and homeowners who see or hear anything unusual are asked to contact police. Tips can be phoned in to 717-562-2987.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: West Chester manhunt: Search for Chester County prison inmate ongoing