Pennsylvania State Police Intensify Manhunt for Escaped Convict, Broadcast Mother’s Plea for Surrender
In a dramatic turn of events, the Pennsylvania State Police have taken the lead in the search for Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who made a daring escape from a Chester County prison last Thursday. The 34-year-old, originally from Brazil and in the U.S. illegally, has been sighted four times since his escape.
Cavalcante, who hails from Royersford, Pennsylvania, was last seen by a state trooper within a two-mile radius of a cordoned-off wooded area in Chester County. The challenging terrain and other obstacles prevented the trooper from apprehending him. Major Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, the deputy commissioner of operations with the Pennsylvania State Police, mentioned in a press conference that Cavalcante appeared weary during the brief sighting.
The state police have been equipped with advanced technology and additional personnel to aid in the search. Since his escape, Cavalcante has been spotted in areas bordered by Route 926 and 52 North on 52 to Parker’s Mill Road Southeast to 926, and west to the intersection of 926 and 52 in Pocopson Township. A residential surveillance camera also captured him around 12:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of Lenape Road, approximately 1.5 miles from the prison.
In a unique move to persuade Cavalcante to surrender, a helicopter has been broadcasting a recorded message from his mother, urging him to give himself up. The message, recorded in Portuguese, aims to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Residents in the vicinity have been advised to remain indoors, lock their vehicles, and review surveillance footage. Any suspicious activity or sightings of Cavalcante, who is considered extremely dangerous, should be reported to the police immediately. He was last seen wearing pants, a light-colored t-shirt, white sneakers, and carrying a backpack. His appearance has remained consistent, with long, black curly hair.
The U.S. Marshals Service, in collaboration with Pennsylvania law enforcement, is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Cavalcante’s capture. He was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in 2021. Additionally, he is wanted for another homicide in Brazil. Immigration officials are uncertain about when Cavalcante entered the U.S., but it is known that he was not officially inspected or admitted by U.S. immigration authorities.
The community is urged to remain vigilant and assist law enforcement in ensuring Cavalcante’s swift capture.
