A convicted killer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison last month has been captured after nearly two weeks on the run, according to law enforcement.
Pennsylvania State Police said Wednesday morning that they had captured Danelo Cavalcante, a 34-year-old illegal immigrant from Brazil, who was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend. During the search, police considered him “armed and extremely dangerous.”
“A press conference announcing details of THE CAPTURE of Danelo Cavalcante is scheduled for 9:30am at the Po-Mar-Lin Fire company, 36 Firehouse Drive, Kennett Square, PA,” Pennsylvania police posted to X at 8:25 a.m. EST.
A press conference announcing details of THE CAPTURE of Danelo Cavalcante is scheduled for 9:30am at the Po-Mar-Lin Fire company, 36 Firehouse Drive, Kennett Square, PA.
— PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) September 13, 2023
Shortly before the announcement from police, officials in Chester County said on the radio that Cavalcante had been captured, according to NBC News.
“Chester County all stations radio room, Chester County government and various other agencies working on the prisoner escape. I’m proud to announce the subject is in custody. Repeating, subject is in custody,” an official said.
Pennsylvania state Senator Katie Muth celebrated the capture of Cavalcante in a Facebook post.
“I want to thank all of the law enforcement officers who brought Danelo Cavalcante to justice just a short time ago. I know that this has been an incredibly stressful time for our community and this capture wouldn’t have been possible without the grit and perseverance of the hundreds of men and women from multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies,” she said.
“Today, Danelo Cavalcante will be placed back behind bars for the rest of his life. I also want to remember the victim, Deborah Brandão, whose family has been terrorized all over again over the past few weeks. No amount of justice will bring Deborah back to her family, but today at least they can sleep a little easier knowing that Cavalcante cannot hurt anyone else,” she added.
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After his escape, Cavalcante stole a rifle from a homeowner, leading police to warn locals that he was “extremely dangerous.” Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said that the homeowner fired several shots at Cavalcante when the fugitive stole his rifle, according to CNN.
Cavalcante had been sentenced to life in prison on August 22 for stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death in 2021 in front of her two children. He fled Pennsylvania and was arrested in Virginia. Cavalcante is also wanted in Brazil for another murder.
Ashe Schow contributed to this report.