Manhunt Continues as Multiple Sightings of Escaped Pennsylvania Prisoner, Danelo Cavalcante, Confirmed in Search Area

Convicted Killer Spotted Twice in Search Area as Manhunt Enters 11th Day

The manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted killer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison, has entered its 11th day. On Friday, Cavalcante was spotted two times within the search area being targeted by hundreds of officers.

Nearly 400 officers have joined the 24-hour search operation for Cavalcante, who fled Chester County Prison on August 31. He managed to escape by “crab walking” between two walls, scaling a fence, and traversing across razor wire. Cavalcante then ran across a roof, scaled another fence, and got through more razor wire.

The two sightings on Friday were confirmed within the general perimeter where tactical teams, K-9 dogs, and a helicopter are scouring for any signs of Cavalcante, according to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper James Grothey. Since his escape, there have been “probably eight or nine” credible sightings of the fugitive, said Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens, who is leading the massive search.

Cavalcante’s escape has distressed residents and instilled fear among the victim’s family. Ryan Drummond, a local resident, described the “acute moment of terror” he experienced when he saw Cavalcante in his home. Drummond heard noise in his house and noticed an old French door off the side of their deck was slightly ajar, which made his stomach drop.

Cavalcante was convicted of first-degree murder for killing his former girlfriend, Deborah Brandão, in front of her two children. He stabbed her 38 times. Cavalcante is also wanted in a 2017 homicide case in Brazil, his native country.

Before the two sightings on Friday, Cavalcante was seen in or around Chester County’s Longwood Gardens at least five times last week. On September 2, he was captured on surveillance video about 1.5 miles from the prison. On Monday, a security camera recorded him at Longwood Gardens. An area resident then reported seeing Cavalcante on Tuesday in a creek bed on their property. On Wednesday, a trail camera image showed him in or around Longwood Gardens.

Guests were asked to leave the botanical gardens on Thursday as the entire venue closed for the manhunt. Despite Cavalcante’s elusive streak, Lt. Col. Bivens expressed confidence that the fugitive will be caught. The search operation has established a large and secure perimeter that the tactical team can push hard against.

The manhunt for Cavalcante continues as authorities work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community and bring the escaped convict back into custody.

Original Source: CNN

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-09-10 05:14:00