After nearly two weeks on the run, convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante has been captured by authorities in Chester County, Pennsylvania.[0] The Pennsylvania State Police announced the news on Wednesday morning, bringing an end to an intense manhunt that had gripped the community and drawn hundreds of law enforcement officials to the area.[1]
Cavalcante had famously escaped from the Chester County jail by “crab-walking” up between two walls topped with razor wire, then jumping from the roof and making a dash for freedom.[2] He had been awaiting transfer to a state prison after being sentenced to life for killing his ex-girlfriend. Cavalcante was also wanted in connection with another killing in his native Brazil.[3]
The capture of Cavalcante came as a result of a carefully planned operation by law enforcement. They were able to surround him without his knowledge and move in quietly, ultimately apprehending him in the woods. Cavalcante was still armed with the rifle he had stolen during his escape, but a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer released a search dog that subdued him.[4] Despite resisting, Cavalcante was eventually taken into custody.[5]
The search for Cavalcante had been a high-stakes operation, with encounters raising alarms as he broke into homes, changed his appearance, stole a van, and even stole a firearm.[1] He was spotted on multiple homes' doorbell cameras, leading to increased concern for the safety of the community.[6] Fortunately, no one was injured during the capture, bringing a sense of relief to both law enforcement and the community.[1]
Cavalcante's capture marks the end of a troubling chapter for Chester County. The district attorney, Deb Ryan, expressed relief and stated that “our nightmare is finally over, and the good guys won.”[7] Cavalcante now faces a felony escape charge and will be transferred to a state prison to serve his life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. He is also a suspect in a 2017 murder case in Brazil.[2]
The successful capture of Cavalcante highlights the importance of collaboration and effective law enforcement strategies. Despite his attempts to evade capture and the challenges posed by inclement weather during the search, law enforcement agencies were able to coordinate their efforts and bring a dangerous criminal to justice. The use of a trained police dog played a crucial role in subduing Cavalcante without causing unnecessary harm.
The community of Chester County can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that a dangerous murderer is back in custody. The capture of Danelo Cavalcante serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies will stop at nothing to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities. The tireless efforts of the officers involved in the manhunt have undoubtedly made the area a safer place.
0. “Cavalcante survived off of stolen watermelons, planned to carjack someone to escape to Canada, officials say” NBC 10 Philadelphia, 14 Sep. 2023, https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/cavalcante-survived-off-of-stolen-watermelons-planned-to-carjack-someone-to-escape-to-canada-officials-say/3645282/
1. “Escaped Pennsylvania killer Danilo Cavalcante taken into custody after he was subdued by a police dog” Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News, 13 Sep. 2023, https://whdh.com/news/escaped-pennsylvania-killer-danilo-cavalcante-taken-into-custody-after-he-was-subdued-by-a-police-dog
2. “Killer illegal who escaped Pennsylvania jail seen in hospital robe hours after recapture” Fox News, 13 Sep. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/killer-illegal-who-escaped-pennsylvania-jail-pictured-hospital-robe-hours-after-recapture
3. “A timeline of the manhunt and capture of convicted Pennsylvania killer Danelo Cavalcante” KCRA Sacramento, 13 Sep. 2023, https://www.kcra.com/article/timeline-of-the-escape-and-manhunt-for-convicted-pennsylvania-killer-danelo-cavalcante/45101564
4. “Captured fugitive now in Pennsylvania state prison to serve life sentence for first-degree murder” WGAL Susquehanna Valley Pa., 14 Sep. 2023, https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-escaped-fugitive-now-in-state-prison-to-serve-life-sentence-for-first-degree-murder/45126549
5. “Escaped murderer arrested after 2 weeks on the run in Pennsylvania” KCCI Des Moines, 13 Sep. 2023, https://www.kcci.com/article/escaped-pennsylvania-inmate-danelo-cavalcante-captured/45118573
6. “Danelo Cavalcante captured, Pennsylvania police say” NPR, 13 Sep. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/09/13/1199186818/danelo-cavalcante-pennsylvania-captured
7. “Danelo Cavalcante manhunt: Escaped killer in custody after 14-day search” FOX 29 Philadelphia, 13 Sep. 2023, https://www.fox29.com/news/danelo-cavalcante-escaped-killer-in-custody-after-14-day-search-sources-say
