CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police and Chester County Detectives are engaged in an extensive manhunt for 34-year-old Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from Chester County prison on the morning of August 31, 2023.
Cavalcante, originally from Brazil, had been serving a life sentence for homicide. He is also wanted for similar charges in his home country. Authorities have issued a stern warning to the public that Cavalcante is armed, desperate, and dangerous.
A reward of $25,000 has been offered for information leading to Cavalcante’s capture. Individuals with any information on his whereabouts are urged to call 911 or the PSP Command Post at (610) 344-4691 or (610) 344-4690. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers toll-free number at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107.
The focus of the search effort is currently in northern Chester County, where a stolen van believed to have been used by Cavalcante was recovered.
Yesterday evening, at approximately 10:10 p.m., Cavalcante reportedly entered a garage on Coventry Road and stole a .22 rifle with a scope and mounted flashlight. The homeowner fired a pistol at Cavalcante, but authorities do not believe he was injured.
The search perimeter is defined by Route 23 to the north, Route 100 to the east, Fairview Road to the south, and Iron Bridge Road to the west. Law enforcement agencies involved in the operation include the Pennsylvania State Police, Border Patrol, ATF, FBI, US Marshals, and Chester County authorities, with K9 and mounted patrols actively participating in the search.
Authorities have warned that anyone found aiding Cavalcante will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Residents within the search area are advised to lock all external doors and windows, secure their vehicles, and remain indoors until further notice. The situation is fluid and the public is urged to stay vigilant as law enforcement officers continue their pursuit of Cavalcante.
Information is subject to change at any time as additional details may emerge. Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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