Danelo Cavalcante
A man who was convicted of killing his girlfriend — and is wanted for another murder in Brazil — escaped from Chester county Prison Thursday morning, prompting a massive manhunt in the area around the prison.
Prison officials report that at approximately 8:50 a.m., a prison inmate, Danelo Cavalcante, escaped from Chester County Prison. A search of the prison and surrounding area is currently being conducted — State Police units — including air units — and Chester County Detectives along with other resources are being used to hunt for the Cavalcante, considered to be extremely dangerous.
Cavalcante is described as a Brazilian male who speaks Portuguese and Spanish, light skinned, 34- year-old, 5-foot, 120 lbs., with shaggy black curly hair and brown eyes. Subject was wearing a white t-shirt, gray shorts, and white sneakers.
Notification of the escape has been communicated to all residents within a six-mile radius of the prison — texts and phone calls went around noon, according to residents of nearby neighborhoods. Chester County Detectives and the Pennsylvania State Police are conducting a thorough county-wide search, and prison officials are conducting an internal investigation.
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Cavalcante is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.
“Danelo Cavalcante is considered an extremely dangerous man,” Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said. “We are asking for the public’s help in locating him. He was last seen walking on Wawaset Road in Pocopson Township around 9:40 a.m. wearing a white t-shirt, gray shorts, and white sneakers. The defendant is also wanted for a 2017 murder in Brazil. Law enforcement is doing everything now to locate him. If you see this individual do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.”
Further information will be provided in a press conference held by Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan at 2:00 p.m, at Pocopson Township Building.
Danelo Cavalcante was convicted of first-degree murder on August 16, 2023, for fatally stabbing his 33-year-old former girlfriend in April 2021. Cavalcante was sentenced to life in prison without parole last week.
