Danelo Cavalcante, aged 34 and a convicted murderer, was seen in Pocopson Township, approximately 1.5 miles away from the Pennsylvania prison he escaped from last Thursday.
On early Saturday, a residential surveillance camera captured Cavalcante’s image, as reported by the Chester County District Attorney. He was dressed in pants, a white t-shirt, and white sneakers. In the footage, he was identified as having long, curly black hair and carrying a backpack.
Authorities believe he might have been wearing prison-issued clothing when he made his escape, but it remains unclear how he acquired the backpack.
Cavalcante had been convicted of first-degree murder on August 16 for fatally stabbing his former 33-year-old girlfriend and had recently been sentenced to life in prison without parole.
He was scheduled for transfer to a state correctional institution in four weeks, but he escaped, according to Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan.
In a press conference held on Saturday afternoon, authorities urged the public to stay vigilant and check their home surveillance systems. It is believed that Cavalcante is still in the vicinity of Route 52 in Pocopson, as stated by Capt. Robert Bailey of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Bailey emphasized, “If you see something, say something. Call 911.”
Law enforcement personnel will conduct a thorough search of the heavily wooded area in Pocopson, which comprises 271 homes, according to Robert Clark of the U.S. Marshal’s Service. The police presence in the area will persist until Cavalcante is captured, Clark confirmed.
“We are narrowing the scope of our search — we believe that he may be in a residential location that is comprised of hundreds of homes in a deeply wooded area at this time, but our search remains active,” Ryan stated.
Reports of possible break-ins in residential homes near the prison have also been received by the police. An attempted burglary in Pocopson Township was reported around 11:30 p.m.
Numerous law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Marshals, SWAT teams, local and state police, and other federal agencies, are currently conducting a search in the surrounding area.
Cavalcante hails from Brazil and is described as 5 feet tall, weighing 120 pounds, with shaggy black hair and brown eyes.
“Law enforcement is requesting that residents in the area remain indoors at this time. Lock your vehicles. Review your surveillance cameras and contact police if you observe anything suspicious.
Danelo Cavalcante is considered an extremely dangerous man. Please remain vigilant in assisting with this search. If you see this individual, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately,” urged Ryan.
Authorities have offered a combined reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Cavalcante’s capture.
It’s also worth noting that Cavalcante is wanted in Brazil for a separate homicide case.