Escaped Pennsylvania Murderer Changes Appearance, Sought in Stolen Van
Authorities are on high alert as an escaped murderer in Pennsylvania continues to elude capture, causing growing concerns among the local community. Danelo Souza Cavalcante managed to break out of a prison in southeastern Pennsylvania over a week and a half ago and has since managed to evade authorities. However, recent developments suggest that he has not only slipped out of the search area but also altered his appearance.
Pennsylvania State Police released a statement on Sunday confirming that Cavalcante was spotted near Phoenixville in northern Chester County. This location is over 20 miles northeast of the previous search area, indicating that Cavalcante has expanded his range. Furthermore, the escaped murderer has changed his appearance, sporting a clean-shaven look and wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, black baseball cap, green prison pants, and white shoes. Police are also seeking a stolen vehicle that Cavalcante is believed to be driving, a 2020 White Ford Transit van with Pennsylvania registration ZST8818, which was reported stolen by Baily’s Dairy and features a refrigeration unit on the top.
Cavalcante, aged 34, escaped from the Chester County Prison on August 31 while awaiting transfer to a state prison. He had been sentenced to life imprisonment for the fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend in 2021. Authorities believe that Cavalcante was trying to prevent his ex-girlfriend from informing the police about his involvement in a killing in his home country of Brazil.
Law enforcement agencies have described Cavalcante as extremely dangerous, urging the public to exercise caution if they come into contact with him. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to immediately contact 911. In an effort to apprehend him quickly, a $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.
The search operation initially focused on the Longwood Gardens botanical park, but with Cavalcante’s recent sightings near Phoenixville, the search area has shifted northwards. Longwood Gardens remains closed to the public as authorities assess the condition of the gardens. It is of utmost importance that Cavalcante is located and taken into custody due to the risk he poses to society.
To aid in the search effort, approximately 400 personnel, including tactical teams, tracking dogs, officers on horseback, and aircraft, are involved. Their concerted efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to capturing Cavalcante and bringing him to justice.
This case has attracted international attention and has created headlines in Brazil, where Cavalcante is accused of a double homicide in connection with the 2017 killing of Válter Júnior Moreira dos Reis. Prosecutors in Tocantins state claim that Cavalcante murdered him over a debt related to vehicle repairs.
Despite the ongoing search, the annual mushroom festival in Kennett Square proceeded as scheduled, with organizers assuring visitors that all necessary precautions and protocols had been implemented.
The recent escape of Danelo Souza Cavalcante has left authorities and the public deeply concerned for their safety. Efforts to locate and apprehend him are ongoing, and the public is urged to remain vigilant while the search continues.
