Where is Danelo Cavalcante? Escaped Pennsylvania murderer spotted clean-shaven after stealing vehicle
CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA: As the manhunt for Danelo Cavalcante stretches into the twelfth day, officials claim that the escaped convicted killer has changed his appearance and stolen a vehicle to run from law enforcement.
The 34-year-old Brazilian fugitive fled from Chester County Prison on August 31 just days after he was sentenced to life for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao, 33, in front of her two children.
The shocking escape has sparked a massive search across southeastern Pennsylvania, with schools canceling classes and more than 400 hundred police officers searching for the dangerous escaped convict, according to the NY Post.
On Sunday, September 10, authorities claimed that Cavalcante had been spotted on a doorbell camera near Phoenixville, about a 40-minute drive from where he was last seen.
Who did Danelo Cavalcante try to contact after escaping?
At a press conference, Pennsylvania State Police Lt Col George Bivens stated that on Saturday, Cavalcante tried to contact a former work associate at his residence and was captured on video by the doorbell camera.
The unidentified person was not at home when Cavalcante arrived but they later contacted police after reviewing the doorbell footage.
The fugitive then attempted to contact another acquaintance nearby in the Phoenixville area. That person was also not home but police were called after a female resident saw the escaped inmate, according to Bivens.
“He is looking for support. He needs that support – he doesn’t have it,” the officer said, according to CNN.
Last night prison escapee Danelo Calvalcante was seen in the Phoexniville area of Chester County. He was clean-shaven, hooded sweatshirt, hat, green pants, and white shoes. He is possibly operating a white vehicle. Call 911 or the PSP Tipline at 717-562-2987 with information. pic.twitter.com/NXn9LHqnuB
— U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) September 10, 2023
Officials have also released images from the doorbell footage, where the formerly-bearded Cavalcante is seen with a clean-shaven look.
“He changed his appearance,” police said, adding “He is now clean shaven and was wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, black baseball style hat, green prison pants, and white shoes.”
Does Danelo Cavalcante have vehicle access?
Bivens also noted that Cavalcante stole a 2020 Ford Transit van on Saturday about three-quarters of a mile from the search perimeter.
However, he later abandoned the vehicle in a field behind a barn in East Nantmeal Township after he ran out of gas.
Officials said the van was taken from near Longwood Gardens after the keys were left inside.
“We are obviously very concerned that Cavalcante has or will attempt to steal another vehicle to facilitate his escape,” Bivens said, adding “This most recent incident is a reminder that he will take advantage of any opportunity to obtain items he needs.”
The officer continued by declaring that Cavalcante is considered "extremely dangerous" and that there is still a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his apprehension.
"I know this is an extremely stressful time for the community. I assure you we are doing everything possible to bring this to a successful resolution as quickly as possible,” he said.
Where was Danelo Cavalcante last seen?
Pennsylvania State Police have said there have been multiple credible sightings of Cavalcante since his escape in August.
He was last seen twice on Friday within the search area encompassing Longwood Gardens. On Wednesday, a trail camera image showed the fugitive in and around the same area but officials learned about this sighting on Thursday evening.
Officials previously also released footage of the moment when Cavalcante scaled a wall to escape from a high-security prison.
In the surveillance footage, Cavalcante is seen walking toward a doorway, then looking over his shoulder, before placing his hands on one wall and feet on another. He then shimmies up the opening and flees out the view.
During a press conference on Thursday, Prison warden Howard Holland stated that the convicted murderer escaped after "crab walking" between two walls, pushing through razor wire, racing across a roof, and scaling a second barrier.