Danelo Cavalcante – update: Police insist nothing has ‘gone wrong’ in search for escaped convict now armed

Daniel Cavalcante escape video

Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morningSign up to our free morning US email news bulletin

The manhunt for convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante continues 12 days after his escape from Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania.

The convict fled the facility days after he was sentenced to life without parole for stabbing his ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao, 33, to death. He is also wanted for a 2017 murder in Brazil.

In the latest update, Pennsylvania State Police said the search is now centred on South Coventry Township, warning locals that the fugitive is armed and that they should “lock all doors and windows”.

At a press conference on Tuesday morning, Police confirmed that Cavalcante stole a .22 calibre rifle from a home in East Nantmeal Township on Monday, whose owner fired seven shots at him as he fled.

Lt Col Bivens pushed back against criticism over the delay in recapturing Cavalcante. Mr Bivens commended law enforcement, noting that they had done an “amazing job” tracking Cavalcante, some officers reportedly even working 20-hour shifts.

He then lashed out at reporters when asked what he believed “had gone wrong” with the search.

“I don’t know why you’d think something has gone wrong,” Mr Bivens said. “That proverbial needle in the haystack, and they’ve located that needle repeatedly.”

1694539494Governor says officials are ‘focused on apprehending’ Cavalcante Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the ongoing manhunt for Cavalcante during a short meeting With the press on Tuesday afternoon.

“This is a moment you have to realize that, the gig is almost up,” Gov Shapiro said, according to NBC. “What we are focused on is apprehending him.”

Andrea Blanco12 September 2023 18:24

1694537447Cavalcante has avoided searchers for nearly two weeksAuthorities warned that an escaped murderer who has evaded capture in southeastern Pennsylvania for nearly two weeks was armed and urged residents Tuesday in the area where he was being pursued to lock up, secure vehicles and remain indoors.

Pennsylvania State Police posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the department was pursuing Danelo Souza Cavalcante in South Coventry Township. Police also asked that the public call 911 if Cavalcante is seen and not to approach him.

At least one nearby school district announced early Tuesday that it would close all schools and offices for the day and another in the area planned to keep students indoors.

Andrea Blanco12 September 2023 17:50

1694534689Pennsylvania police defend against criticism of Danelo Cavalcante manhunt after revealing killer is armedAuthorities have pushed back against heavy criticism over their manhunt for escaped murder convict Danelo Cavalcante.

Pennsylvania State Police gave an update on the ongoing search for Cavalcante after it was revealed that the fugitive broke into a home in South Coventry Township on Monday night and stole a rifle.

Since his escape from Chester County Prison on 31 August, Cavalcante has travelled more than 30 miles from his initial hiding spot in Longwood Gardens. US Marshalls, FBI, SWAT teams and local and state police have scrambled to keep up with Cavalcante’s moves, despite assertions by officials that the manhunt is “wearing him down.”

Read more:

Andrea Blanco12 September 2023 17:04

1694530800How did Danelo Cavalcante escape prison?Cavalcante climbed up a wall by crab-walking up from the recreation yard, climbing over razor wire and then running across a roof before jumping to the ground — the same method an inmate used in May before he was captured within minutes.

Cavalcante’s escape went undetected for more than an hour until guards took a headcount.

The jailbreak is being investigated by the state’s attorney’s office and a prison tower guard who failed to report it has already been fired.

CCTV footage shows Danelo Calvacante’s prison escape

Joe Sommerlad12 September 2023 16:00

1694528400Danelo Cavalcante search expanded more than 20 miles from prison after he stole dairy farm vanCavalcante remains on the run more than 12 days after he escaped from Chester County Prison on 31 August and Pennsylvania State Police are facing growing scrutiny after it was confirmed on Sunday that the fugitive had managed, yet again, to sneak past the search perimeter.

Lt Col George Bivens said that the convict had stolen a van from a dairy farm near Longwood Gardens botanical park, where the search was initially focused and a 10-mile perimeter had been established.

Cavalcante used the van to travel to Phoenixville, a town roughly 20 miles away from Chester County Prison and 25 miles away from the botanical garden.

Read more:

Andrea Blanco12 September 2023 15:20

1694526689Cavalcante stole rifle from Pennsylvania homeownerPSP Lt Col George Bivens said that Cavalcante broke inside the garage of a home on Coventry Rd and stole a 22. rifle on Monday night.

The homeowner opened fire on Cavalcante and called authorities but the fugitive managed to flee the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Lt Col Bivens said that authorities are now searching the area, and urged residents to secure their homes and remain cautious.

The home where Cavalcante was last seen is in close proximity to the area where he abandoned a stolen van over the weekend in East Nantmeal Township.

Andrea Blanco12 September 2023 14:51

1694525640WATCH: Police provide update on Danelo Cavalcante search after prison escapePolice provide update on Danelo Cavalcante search after prison escape

Andrea Blanco12 September 2023 14:34

1694523600Danelo Cavalcante’s sightings since his escape on 31 August Here’s a look at where the escapee has been spotted around Pennsylvania over the last 12 days.

(Chester County DA/Google Maps/Indy composite)

Joe Sommerlad12 September 2023 14:00

1694521505Pennsylvania State Police to give press conference this morningHere’s the latest from law enforcement on the Cavalcante situation:

Joe Sommerlad12 September 2023 13:25

1694520043Recap: Homeowner ‘opens fire on Danelo Cavalcante’ after he stole rifle from Pennsylvania homeIn case you missed the dramatic developments overnight, Martha McHardy has the latest.

Joe Sommerlad12 September 2023 13:00