Danelo Cavalcante
The hunt continues for a convicted murderer who escaped from Chester County Prison Thursday morning, with multiple sightings of the fugitive within just a few miles of the prison as recently as early Saturday.
Helicopters and ground units continue the search for Danelo Cavalcante, 34, of Royersford. Residents are advised to be wary — avoid contact with with a man described as “very dangerous” and keep doors and cars locked and sheds and other outbuildings secured.
“Law enforcement is requesting that residents in the area remain indoors at this time.,” Chester County Deb Ryan saidin a statement Saturday morning. “Lock your vehicles. Review your surveillance cameras and contact police if you observe anything suspicious. Danelo Cavalcante is considered an extremely dangerous man. Please remain vigilant in assisting with this search. If you see this individual do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.”
Based on local residents’ reports on social media — and official reports — it appears that Cavalcante has not left the immediate area of the prison. Authorities said Saturday morning he was observed on a residential surveillance camera on Sept. 2, at approximately 12:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of Lenape Road, approximately 1.5 miles from the prison. Other reports from social media and unconfirmed at this time described sightings near the gas station at the intersection of state routes 926 and 52 and in the area of Parkersville Road, near Rt. 52.
Near midnight, a helicopter — apparently using infrared sensors — seemed to be focusing efforts in the area where Rt. 52 meets Unionville-Lenape Road, just a few hundred yards from the prison.
Authorities say Cavalcante was wearing pants, a light-colored t-shirt, and white sneakers. His appearance has remained unchanged. He has long, black curly hair and wearing a backpack. Police also received a report of an attempted burglary at 11:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of Ballintree Lane in Pocopson.
A search of the surrounding area is currently being conducted by hundreds of law enforcement officers including the U.S. Marshals, SWAT, local, state, and other federal agencies.
The fugitive is from Brazil, with light skin, 5 feet, 120 lbs., with shaggy black hair and brown eyes.
Cavalcante was convicted on August 16, 2023, of first-degree murder for fatally stabbing his 33-year-old former girlfriend and sentenced to life in prison without parole last week.
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Danelo Cavalcante is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. There is a $10,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to his capture.
