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A nationwide manhunt for Danilo Cavalcante, 35, a native of Brazil, ended on Sept. 13, 2023, with his capture. He was found hiding under foliage within a search perimeter in northern Chester County, as previously reported by Daily Voice.
Cavalcante escaped from Chester County Prison in Pocopson Township while awaiting a transfer to state prison to serve a life sentence for killing his ex-girlfriend.
Cavalcante pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, persons not to possess a firearm, and escape, according to Attorney General Michelle Henry
Cavalcante was sentenced to an additional 15-30 years in a State Correctional Institution, to be served consecutive to his existing life sentence, Henry said.
“This defendant was already serving a life sentence when he escaped and put an entire community on edge as he continued to commit more crimes while on the run,” said Henry. “I commend the immense effort of the hundreds of troopers, officers, and agents who worked tirelessly to bring him into custody.”
On Aug. 31, 2023, Cavalcante escaped custody by scaling a wall and maneuvering past a razor-wire fence. His escape initiated a 13-day search during which he committed several crimes, including two residential burglaries where the homeowners were present, theft of an automobile, theft of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a person not eligible to carry.
Cavalcante was convicted of killing Deborah Brandao to stop her from telling police about charges against him in a 2017 murder in Brazil.
He was armed during his escape after stealing a pistol from a Chester County home. He was previously spotted in South Coventry Township, without a shirt, carrying a stolen .22 rifle and flashlight.
Daily Voice has checked with the court for additional information so check back here for possible updates.
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